title: [Sexual relations between therapist and patient].
abstract: The delicate problem of sexual relations between therapist (physician or psychotherapist) and patient is described. Despite strict prohibitions, violation of medical ethics by therapists has long been known to occur. Research shows that the phenomenon is not at all rare. The steps taken to minimize the frequency of such ethical violations and to punish offenders is reviewed. Special emphasis is put on the tendency, quite common in Israel, to a conspiracy of silence and mutual covering-up and protection by professionals, preventing patients' complaints from being properly considered. Some measures recommended to combat such harmful and dangerous violations of professional ethics are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Shalvata Mental Health Center.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rozencwaig
mesh_terms: D004992:Ethics, Medical; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010361:Patients; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011570:Psychiatry; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012725:Sexual Behavior