Rape Crisis hopes that the prison sentence of six years handed down to Dr Morgan Fahey will deter others.

"Six years may not seem like a lot, and it is unlikely that Dr Morgan Fahey will serve the full term," said Claire Benson, National Spokeswoman of Rape Crisis. "However we hope that the six years does deter other doctors from committing similar abuses."

Rape Crisis says that up to 10 women each year report some form of sexual assault by a doctor. A survey of NZ doctors found that while % viewed any form of sexual contact between doctors and patients as unacceptable, % admitted to knowing that other doctors had sexua; contact with their patients, and % admitted to sexual contact with their patients.

"When you visit a doctor you are putting a lot of trust in that person," says Ms Benson,"You have to undress before them and you have to submit to a variety of medical procedures that you have no knowledge of. Many doctors recognise this and they act by explaining the procedures and inviting you to bring a support person. We hope that all doctors take this on board and treat their patients with dignity and compassion."

For further comment contact: Claire Benson National Spokeswoman Rape Crisis 021 684 227 04 384 7028

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