Women clinicians and patient assaults. R. L. Binder

Women clinicians and patient assaults.

R. L. Binder,
Bull. Amer. Acad. Psychiatry & the Law 19(3): 291-6, 1991.

Although there has been an increased awareness of the problem of assaults against clinicians, this is the first report to specifically focus on issues related to women clinicians and patient assaults. The author discusses issues related to women's feelings of vulnerability and lack of authority. She describes special risks for women clinicians including sexual assaults, rape fantasies, and maternal transferences, which can lead to assaults, and vulnerability during pregnancy. In addition, the author discusses psychological reactions after assaults and makes recommendations for preventing assaults.