Possible sexual assualt?

[mrsmbird]

I need some advice. Thirteen years ago in my first year at univeristy I got pregnant and had a termination.

At about 7 weeks pregnant, I saw the university GP to organise a referral to the women's unit.

He gave me an internal examination which felt a bit, well, odd.

Yesterday I was talking to a friend who is training to be a midwife. She was telling me about doing internal exams on heavily pregnant women and I told her about my experience.

Anyway, she was quite shocked because she says internal exams are completely unnecessary before 12 weeks, and he should have just checked how far gone I was and referred me to the unit.

So I may have been sexually assaulted by a GP. At the time I thought I maybe had, but I don't know for sure.

As the university GP I'm sure he saw a lot of pregnant and other young women, and maybe still does.

Do I have a duty to report the incident, and if so, who to?

[ummmm]

I've had internals before 12 weeks. Things change though. My youngest is 13.

There was a time when the doctor always did their own PG tests. Now they take your word for it.

What was acceptable practise then might not be the norm now.

[Dolt]

There should have been a second party there. but as it was 13 years ago I don't know if that applys

[ummmm]

Hmmmm, yes Dolt. I think you're right.

[fliptheswitch]

I'm sure the "nurse present" thing hasn't applied for that long.

[ummmm]

I can't really remember :-(

[mrsmbird]

Thanks for your resonses everyone. The reason I felt odd was because he seemed to use his elbow to push my knee into his crotch while giving the exam. Bit strange but I guess it could have been a positioning thing. As exams were sometimes carried out by the GP and not clinic staff it's not really worth worrying about.

Dolt I think second parties were later. I remember being offered one for a breast exam in about 2002ish.

[trt]

birdlime,

This was 13 years ago, let it rest and get on with your life!

[Dolt]

Trt, this is not something you can let go of, if mrsmbird feels it wasn't right she should report it. Mrsmbird I don't know who you should report it to but I'd get in touch with the rape crisis center and they will guide and advise you.

[trt]

mrsmbird,

I think it would be very hard to prove, although I have sympathy for you, that's why I said let it rest.

[mrsmbird]

I'm actually not troubled by it at all. I thought it was a bit creepy at the time but it could have been a misunderstanding. When my friend said the exam was unnecessary I just wondered whether he might have form with other patients. However, as it seems it may have been standard procedure at the time then it's case closed. Your advice has been very helpful though thanks.

[alid5]

I agree with ummmm things change a lot over the years esp with in medical profession, I have had the same GP since my twin girls were born 23 years ago, I feel more at ease when he is examining me than having a female nurse in the room too. Everyone is different depends how at ease you are with your GP, I know I felt uneasy with my first child being examined internally but after having 5 children nothing fazes me now, I can talk to him about anything, he is like a friend now as we have been through alot over the years, hopefully he will be there for me for more years to come.

[Khandro]

As the incident (if it was one) took place 13 years ago, and it would only be your word against his, it would be best to let it pass. If it is of real concern to you, then speak to your doctor; there may be other medical reasons for the examination, of which your trainee midwife friend is not aware.

[RATTER15]

This woman feels that she may have been sexually assaulted by a GP that is possibly still practising, and your advice is to leave it and let it pass!!

So what if he is continuing to sexually assault other women?

Personally I don't think it would do any harm just to find out the legal position or even the correct protocol.

To do or say nothing is irresponsible.

[cathfromsaron]

awful but nothing will happen due to 'lack of evidence', and you will have put yourself through this for nothing! x

[RATTER15]

Eddie, im not suggesting legal action or any thing of the sort, hence.

"Personally I don't think it would do any harm just to find out the legal position or even the correct protocol."

[joko]

i would suggest doing a bit of research on the doctor himself...you may find in 13 years, if hes dodgy he could have been reported by others...

how long were his fingers inside? did he wear gloves?

[AlBags]

Shouldn't you be researching what was the 'procedure' for handling this sort of issue at the time .. before you point any fingers or name names?

[netibiza]

whilst I have all sympathy for you, these things happens by accident. Many a time my elbow has crutched my dentist and doctors do have to get into strange positions sometimes. I agree that you should not let this ruin your life, it may or may not have happened, but there's not much you can do about it. You may be feeling guilty at having an abortion and looking to put your guilt elsewhere unaware. I have no idea, you've gone on and obviously made a good life for yourself. Let it go.