Protecting Patients from Sexual Abuse and Sexual Misconduct

The Health Professions Act provides the following definitions: Sexual Abuse: is defined as threated, attempted or actual conduct of a regulated member towards a patient that is of a sexual nature, including: Sexual intercourse between a regulated member and a patient of that regulated member; Genital to genital, genital to anal, oral to genital, or oral to anal contact between a regulated member and a patient of that regulated member; Masturbation of a regulated member by, or in the presence of, a patient of that regulated member; Masturbation of a regulated member’s patient by that regulated member; Encouraging a regulated member’s patient [...]

We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or boundary violations can be very difficult. The College’s primary objective is to remove barriers in reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct by creating a safe reporting environment and providing transparent information about the process. If you believe a professional boundary has been violated or are a victim, or someone you know is a victim, of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, please review our website information on how to submit a complaint. If you wish to speak to someone directly, please contact the Complaints Director on their [...]

As a patient, you can expect your speech-language pathologist or audiologist to maintain professional boundaries. A professional boundary is a parameter of a safe therapeutic relationship, recognizing the power imbalance and responsibilities of a regulated member. Professional boundaries help define the difference between therapeutic and personal relationships and avoid potential misunderstanding of words and actions. Your speech-language pathologist or audiologist should treat you respectfully and maintain professional boundaries while providing services, including ensuring informed consent is obtained before they provide services. Where physical touching may be required during your appointment, your speech-language pathologist or audiologist should let you know why [...]