Preventing and Addressing Sexual Abuse of Patients April 2015 | Page 18

6. CPSO TRAINING/EXPERTISE
Past Recommendations:
• Patients should be offered support by a sensitive, trained staff member.
•  awyers who prosecute sexual abuse cases for the College must have
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demonstrated expertise in the theory and practice of conducting a sexual abuse
case and an appreciation of the impact on the complainant as well as on the
physician.
•  iscipline Committee members should be selected for their demonstrated
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understanding of and expertise in sexual abuse, and should include an
increased number of women/public members.
Rationale: It is very difficult for patients to come forward; appropriate support must
be provided to victims of sexual abuse; knowledge and expertise in sexual abuse
issues is important for those dealing with sexual abuse victims.
ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE COLLEGE:
•T
  he College has a specialized team of investigators, with experience dealing
with victims of sexual abuse, who investigate all sexual misconduct-related
complaints.
•  he College has a full-time staff member with extensive training and experience
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who provides support to individuals who contact the College about sexual
abuse matters. This staff member (and back-up) also supports victims of sexual
abuse th