NCJ Number
151500
Date Published
1993
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This handbook is intended for women who have been sexually exploited by a professional to whom they went for help; it helps survivors understand the problem, find resources for recovery, and seek institutional and legal remedies.
Abstract
Section I focuses on understanding the problem. This section first lists the professions within which the closeness that develops in the client relationship may be used by the professional for sexual exploitation. "Professional sexual exploitation" is then defined, including descriptions of how it occurs. Other topics in this section are the scope of the problem, its effects on clients, the professional's responsibility when sexual contact occurs with a client, factors that make a client vulnerable to the professional's power, and some solutions. Suggested solutions for the professional include the identification of weaknesses and tendencies toward exploitation during training, along with assistance for resolving the deficits or changing career plans if the deficits pose potential problems for future clients. Section II suggests how to find resources for recovery. Topics discussed in this section include where to turn for help, how to converse about the sexual exploitation, and how to manage other professional relationships. Section III focuses on the seeking of institutional and legal remedies. Subjects addressed are victims' rights, complaint options, obstacles to and preparation for filing a complaint, and pertinent aspects of the law. This section also discusses the results to be expected from effective resources and how the survivor can change things for the better.