American Academy of Pediatrics Publishes Policy on Protecting Children from Sex Abuse
In the wake of a recent Delaware case concerning a physician who sexually abused his minor patients, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued a policy document designed to protect children and increase community awareness.
”Any sexual abuse of children by medical providers is a profound betrayal of their responsibility for patient well-being, trust, and medical ethics,” the policy states.
The Academy’s document provides guidelines for physicians regarding proper patient boundaries as well as reporting requirements when they suspect a colleague has been abusing patients. The policy directive also provides helpful information for parents so that they can better protect their children.
The Delaware case involved Dr. Earl Bradley who was convicted on 14 counts of first-degree rape and five counts each of second-degree assault and sexual exploitation of a child. Prosecutors said Bradley recorded homemade videos of sex crimes against more than 80 victims, most of them female toddlers.
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