I am not sure if this should go with this particular forum, and if it is wrong please move it..About 20 years ago I went to a doctor because I was having girl trouble. Nothing major, but something to get checked. I was referred to a doctor by my pastors' wife, and even though he wasn't a specialist with my specific problem I went to him because he was a christian doctor. I was alone with him during the exam without a nurse present. I won't get into detail, but he was inappropriate during my exam. What he did caused me to have a panic attack which caused him to tell me to get dress, and meet him in his office. Actually, he told me that my nerves and stomach were making me afraid and react the way I was. I felt, numb, confused and unclean. When we met with him in his office, he said to us that my problem wasn't a gynecological one, but a gastro one, and that I should see that type of specialist. On the way home I did tell my husband about my feelings about the exam, but not the whole thing that happened. A couple of months later I found out while speaking with friend from church that she also had been inappropriately touched by this doctor. But we both felt that because he was a christian it must be us. I never again talked about what happen that day, but it changed me.

In August 2007, this doctor was arrested for SA on a patient. A week later more women come forth and he was arrested again. I know that the statute of limitations is long past for me to file a complaint. You must do it within 5 years. The thing that is bothering me though, is that the authorities said accusations go back against this doctor to 2003..But I know that is not true. Should I say something or just let it go? He was so inappropriate with me, but not in the way with which he is charged. I am really upset with myself for not saying anything years ago. I felt that there was something wrong, but blamed myself. I thought I was crazy for even thinking a christian doctor did something to me that made me feel dirty and afraid. I was mad at me and tucked it all away until now. I feel so at fault that other women went through suffering with him, and I was silent back then. Guess I am feeling kinda responsible. But I really believed it was my bad thinking.

Am trying to let it all go..I wouldn't even have known about this but my estranged husband mailed me the article from the newspaper where he lives. He lives in the same county as the doctor. My husband said he never forgot how upset I was about my exam and how I was after it, so that is why he thought I would want to know. sorry if I am rambling. Am trying to sort this all out. thank you for caring...

[eskielover]

I think what you have to realize that 20 years ago, it wasn't easy to come out with accusations like that. Times were different then & women weren't believed the way they are today. Dr's could make you feel that it was "YOUR thinking" & talk their way out of it like he did. When things like that happened 20 years ago & women did try to do something, it was a tramatic issue & the courts wouldn't even stand behind us like they do now. We didn't have the support of society like we do today either & we were made to feel that we were wrong & not the Dr because they were professionals & wouldn't do anything like that.

Yes, the statute of limitations is past in your situation, but I would think that if it makes you feel better, I would try to at least say something & bring your situation into light...if nothing more than to show that he was doing inappropriate actions that long ago in the past....to show that there was a pattern going on with him even then. It might just help the case against him.

It is important for you not to feel guilty about not taking action at the time. Chances are that your accusation wouldn't have gone anywhere anyway....only put you through a worse situation than you went through & accomplished nothing that would have had any effect on the future...which was the reality of the times then.

I hope this helps you sort through your feelings....knowing that society today stands behind women where it didn't 20 years ago when you had the horrible experience with him.

Debbie