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Erotic Boundary Violations

NCJ Number
193660
Journal
On The Edge Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 4,5,7
Author(s)
Colleen Carney Love
Date Published
2001
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article examines erotic boundary violations in forensic settings.
Abstract
An eroticized dual relationship is the product of both staff and patient factors occurring within a particular environment. There are few published studies describing the frequency or rate of staff-patient involvement in hospitals and community-based public sector settings. Most of the literature and research on the topic comes from the private practice model. In this context, accountability, the power differential, and possible harm to a patient are rarely disputed. However, in dual relationships in forensic contexts, co-workers often view the involved staff member as the vulnerable victim who was groomed and “set up” by an exploitive patient. This view may be rooted in gender biases. There are a number of measures nurses can take to fully own their power in the patient-nurse relationship and to prevent overwhelming counter-transference experiences from robbing them of their objectivity. Keeping attraction in check through rigorous self-monitoring is one such way to empowerment. Consulting with one or more colleagues on a regular basis should be an ongoing component of nurses’ work. The Self-Assessment Checklist can be used for self-monitoring or in conjunction with clinical supervision and training. The frequency with which staff engages in dual relationships with sex offenders supports the notion that there is a strong pull exerted by the dark side of human sexuality, known as “Dark Eros.” While there are staff risk factors such as inexperience, mental illness, or antisocial personality that contribute to certain types of dual relationships, it is best to recognize that being human is the best predictor. Emotional needs must be met outside of the work environment. Clinical supervision must be swift and enlightened to prevent the security and interpersonal disasters that can result from staff who engage in eroticized boundary violations with forensic psychiatric patients. 7 references