Therapist/client exploitation- the early days

Thank you so much for sharing you experiences here. I’m sorry that doctor acted unprofessionally.

I don’t have a lot of experience with lawyers but your meeting with the lawyer sounds like it might have been almost as traumatic as the initial abuse. My complaints went through civil and medical board cases. It was also reported to the police and the Deputy Attorney General considered filing criminal charges since three of us victims came forward- but he decided not to prosecute.

I went through all that and, yes, some authorities did read about what happened to me and knew my name, medical and mental health history but I don’t recall my name ever being published. I read the medical licensing board accusation, findings and decision and they only used my intitials. Maybe the laws are different where you live. Maybe it would be different if it went to trial but I was told most cases like this are settled long before they go to trial.

What I want you to know if your lawyer didn’t mention it is I learned that cases are won more by what you can prove vs. the truth of what happened.

It is terrible when no one believes you. Lawyers can be jerks, too. I had a male lawyer tell me in my own case, “Well, I hope at least you had good sex.” He was a freakin’ lawyer on *my* team and he had the nerve to say that to me! My lead lawyer was a woman and she was livid when I told her about it. She got off the phone right away and I assume she chewed him out.

I’m sorry you were treated that way and I ‘get’ that it’s difficult to tell people about it. First, it can be extremely embarrassing to talk about - to anyone- especially family. People may judge or try to shame you. People might even defend the doctor or therapist. We just can’t depend on how people will react to information like that. But we need and deserve to be believed. We deserve to be heard. Thank you for sharing your story.

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Originally Posted by precaryous Thank you so much for sharing you experiences here. I’m sorry that doctor acted unprofessionally. I don’t have a lot of experience with lawyers but your meeting with the lawyer sounds like it might have been almost as traumatic as the initial abuse. My complaints went through civil and medical board cases. It was also reported to the police and the Deputy Attorney General considered filing criminal charges since three of us victims came forward- but he decided not to prosecute.

Yes, it was a slap in the face, like throwing cold water on me. I cant believe I shared it here- my husband doesnt even know!

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I went through all that and, yes, some authorities did read about what happened to me and knew my name, medical and mental health history but I don’t recall my name ever being published. I read the medical licensing board accusation, findings and decision and they only used my intitials. Maybe the laws are different where you live. Maybe it would be different if it went to trial but I was told most cases like this are settled long before they go to trial.

This happened in the late 90's before they had the law that protects victims and when the doctors/lawyers/investors were all in the same good ole' boys club. I imagine it would be different now.

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What I want you to know if your lawyer didn’t mention it is I learned that cases are won more by what you can prove vs. the truth of what happened.

Yes this is true. Many times even a district attorney for the state wont prosecute if they do not think they will win a conviction. Attorneys like to win.

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I’m sorry you were treated that way and I ‘get’ that it’s difficult to tell people about it. First, it can be extremely embarrassing to talk about - to anyone- especially family. People may judge or try to shame you. People might even defend the doctor or therapist. We just can’t depend on how people will react to information like that. But we need and deserve to be believed. We deserve to be heard. Thank you for sharing your story.

Thanks.