Warning and disclaimer

This page contains information and discussions about sexual misconduct. If you need support we encourage you to seek help from trusted friends, family members, or professional services. Please find details of helplines in the support section below.

This ethical hub topic shows how our professional standards can be applied in this area of care and signposts to relevant resources. It does not set new professional standards and is not intended to replace the formal guidance. Page last reviewed: 13 December 2024. 

Identifying and tackling sexual misconduct

Sexual misconduct in the healthcare environment, within or outside the workplace is unacceptable and can be a criminal offence. The impact on individuals and teams can be devastating. 

This page includes advice on how to identify the behaviours, cultures and norms which may lead to sexual misconduct. It also outlines suggestions around how to make sure appropriate boundaries between doctors, physician associates, anaesthesia associates and patients, colleagues and students are maintained.

We know that reporting sexual misconduct can be very difficult and upsetting. To help anyone affected we've included where to go for help and support and how to raise a concern about a doctor.

Back