When I was 28 I was raped by a doctor on an exam table in a medical center with another person present, the doctors wife, standing in the corner as it happened. It was not violent, it was manipulative and creepy. He used his position as a doctor to try and cover for his actions.
I came home from the incident and told my roommates, my friends, what had happened in tears and they encouraged me to call the police. I did. I made a report and the police were gracious to me the whole time. Shortly after I received a call from the DA office. They were extremely sensitive and supportive of the accusations I had made and wanted to meet and discuss what happened. He had a previous problem in another state doing the same thing to two girls down there and moved after being in trouble. I think he was suspended but investigations hit a wall and stopped.
I had to testify in court against this man alone. I was asked by the defense about my sexual history and questioned about how many partners I had had while living up there. (There was a snide remark regarding how many men I had slept with but stricken from the record :/) I was asked several embarrassing questions about my body, about my vagina, my clitoris, my g-spot... nothing was off limits. I get it, they had to try to make me look bad to save their client. Truth was I was in a hospital gown in an exam room in the middle of the day, I did nothing but run into the wrong person. I was in a doctors office, it should have been a safe place.
My testimony single handedly brought him down. He cannot practice medicine in the US ever again. His case in Oklahoma was reopened and under investigation last time I knew anything about him which was a long time ago. Oh, and I was told an investigation into his first wife's death by suicide was reopened. The night I got the news that his licence had been revoked I was back living in WA. I called my mom and dad with the news. We all went out to dinner to celebrate, including my younger brother. My parents had been aware of the whole thing, minus the details, and a huge support to me.
The amount of support I got from my friends, my boyfriend at the time, the police, the district attorney's office and staff, my family... all were paramount to me seeing the whole thing through. I had some great self esteem before this but going through the whole ordeal and coming out on top was a boost, to be sure. I was believed, I was supported.
This man had 15 minutes of power over me... I have a lifetime power over him. Of him remembering my name when I've forgotten his, of him not being able to do this again to anyone else, of him not being able to practice medicine ever again. I am not ashamed of what happened to me in any way. I am healthy and have suffered virtually no ill affects. If anything, it empowered me to see it through. I was not necessarily brave, I was doing what had to be done. I'm not sorry for myself, I know life has it's shit moments and I had one and it wasn't my fault. I have had a very healthy sex life and have no issues when seeing the doctor for exams of any kind. I have thanked my parents for how they fostered my self esteem and have always kept that in mind with my own children. I have thanked my friends and have always tried to be a support to others because I know how important it is.
I'm not looking for sympathy or "you're so brave" replies. I just thought I'd share. I am not defined by what happened to me, I am defined by how I handled it and by what I did. And if anyone wants to reach out, I am always here for support.
I think almost every woman I know has had some sort f horrible experience of this nature. It’s disgusting and I am so glad you got some justice. But I’m so sorry you ever had to go through such a thing. Wishing you all the best
good for you. I was in the ? right place at the wrong time and got a serial rapist convicted when I was 18
@pepperjones And once they're in jail , the tables are turned , and that's called Karma !
I started reading your post with a feeling of dread, expecting to hear how you were still suffering from the pain inflicted and the failed justice. I never expected to be smiling through tears at the end. So thank you. For getting this bastard away from more victims, for making a stand for yourself and those who don't feel they can, and for the inspiring example you've set by sharing your story. Thank you so much.
This is a better version of the comment i was going to make so.....
The shame that some males bring on the rest of us. Each one of these taken care of makes us all better off.
@pepperjones that makes a great point about separating the emotional response to an event/someone, and the future .Why cut ourselves off from the better parts of life due to one #$^(&%%
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I’m saddened for the crime this bastard committed against you and I’m so proud of you for being strong and doing the right thing. You saved yourself and your dignity along with saving countless other possible victims had this scumbag walked free. Good to see you holding your head high as a well-adjusted individual.
@pepperjones That you spoke up and kept speaking up - that made all the difference.
I have a story... From nearly 45 years ago... Hope to have your courage someday to tell it
In all likelihood you saved many others from being raped. Way to go! You are a warrior!
Courageous is the most appropriate word I can think of to describe your response to this atrocity. I am genuinely sorry you--or anyone--had to experience such a horrible act, but thank you for sharing it in the spirit of inspiring other women to confront their attackers and, in doing so, take back control of their own lives. <3
I'm sorry that it happened to you..some people are monsters dressed up as doctors..coaches..clergy...teachers..police..
politicians..judges..etc
People we thought we could trust...should be able to trust...there is no wand to take these people out of society..only the fight you have in you to beat them...no wand to make the damage they have done to you and so many others disappear..I wish there was...
There are only sincere good wishes..from men who know better than to harm a woman or a child.
Take care.
Thanks for this. This is why it's so important to report such abuse straight away even though it's natural to feel shame and confusion. When women operate a zero-tolerance policy, men will pretty soon get the message and a lot of hurt, humiliation and heartbreak will be avoided in the future.
I'm so impressed by your courage. How did his wife not know? Or did she enjoy watching?
@pepperjones Interesting! I went to a doctor whose wife worked in the ''front'' office. I always wonder if she knew he was molesting patients in the ''back'' office. I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't really understand he was abusing me at the time. Now, of course, I'd like to have words with him. Too late...he's dead. So...again...I'm proud of you and what you did!
It takes people like You to bring this into the open and see it through. Awesome