DEAR AMY: About 20 years ago, I was at a dental appointment in a medical arts building.
My dentist, (like me, a female), asked if I had ever experienced sexual abuse during an exam from a doctor.
I said, “Yes, and it happened in this building.”
She asked if it was “Dr. So and So,” and I said yes.
She told me she’d had a similar experience with this doctor.
Amy, this happened in the 1970s, when we were about 20.
Last year he died. When I read the obituary the memories came back, including the plaid knit slacks that he was wearing when he abused me.
I know other women my age who had similar experiences with doctors when they were young.
Thanks for letting me share this. This will help me to forget.
– Survivor
DEAR SURVIVOR: This is horrific. I’m so sorry this happened to you.
I think it is extremely important that you have told your story, but I wonder if this really will help you to forget.
I highly recommend that you speak to a counselor about this. I think it might also be a good idea to talk more with your dentist about your experiences.
You could also contact the state medical licensing board to report this abuse.
You can assume this doctor victimized other patients, and it might help you – and others – if you report this crime, even after the perpetrator’s death.
Seeking justice could inspire other survivors to come forward.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
