By Karin Hendrich
Can there be immoral touches that are necessary for treatment? That was what the district court had to judge on Thursday in the trial against orthopedist Sven T.* (59). The accusation: Sexual abuse using a treatment relationship.
Lisa M.* (34), from Mitte, came to his practice in 2018 with neck and back problems. She was just sitting in the dental chair. When his voice behind her called for “Closer!” The marketing manager from Mitte: “And he pulled me against the backrest at the same moment. His hand between my legs…I was shocked.”
Senta D.* (62, employee) from Brandenburg sought the doctor’s help in 2021 because of her shoulder pain. “I was about to sit down properly. Then he grabbed my crotch and pushed me… I was petrified.”
At first, both women struggled internally with what was happening. “Out of shame,” they say in court. Until they decided to take action against the accused. Lisa M.: “So that doesn’t happen to other women.”
The orthopedist: “Both patients were fully clothed. Also sufficiently informed about the treatment.” He also denies the accusation: “I didn’t step in either one or the other.”
And his defense attorneys argued: Even if his flat hand had been where the witnesses say it would have been for a second – that might be ugly, but without any sexual reference.
But the judge was convinced: “During the treatment, you grabbed the patient between the legs without it being medically indicated. We heard two completely different witnesses who didn’t know each other. Telling the same story here. And who are still suffering psychologically from what happened to this day.”
Her verdict: eight months probation. Plus 5,000 euros each to the victims and 10,000 to the judiciary. A decision that could cost the accused the license to practice medicine. Should it become law.
*All names changed