Sexual exploitation of patients: issues for colleagues

The accusation of sexual exploitation of a patient by a mental health care professional has ramifications for colleagues of the accused. Co-workers are likely to experience conflicting feelings of betrayal, guilt, and embarrassment, and to face such personal issues as loyalty to the alleged offender and generalized fear about safety. In addition, they are often confronted with simultaneous demands of increased clinical loads and pressure to participate in the judicial process. Methods of dealing with emotional reactions and professional disruption are examined.