# Sexuality and sexual boundary violations in healthcare organisations: a qualitative focus group study in mental health and disability care in the Netherlands

## TL;DR

This study explores how sexuality and sexual boundary violations are perceived in mental health and disability care in the Netherlands.

## Contribution

The study identifies 14 types of situations involving sexual boundary violations across four organizational levels.

## Key findings

- Sexual boundary violations occur in various forms between clients, professionals, and management.
- Reflection and dialogue among stakeholders are crucial for addressing these issues effectively.

## Abstract

To explore how sexuality and sexual boundary violations are perceived and experienced in healthcare teams and organisations.

Qualitative focus group study.

Mental health and disability care.

In total, 56 people participated across 15 focus groups in three healthcare organisations. Participants included client experts (former clients), healthcare professionals such as a psychologist, speech therapist, sexologist and personal coach, team leaders, managers and directors.

We identified 14 different types of situations in which sexuality and sexual boundary violations play a role on four different levels: between clients, between clients and healthcare professionals, between healthcare professionals and on the management level. Situations ranged from attraction and intimacy between clients and/or professionals, promoting sexual health of clients, gut feelings and speaking up, transgressive behaviour from clients and professionals, false accusations and investigations into allegations.

Situations regarding sexuality and sexual boundary violations are varied and complex. They unfold at different levels of interaction within the organisation. To deal with this and come to practical approaches, it is important that clients, professionals and managers engage in reflection and dialogue about their experiences, opinions and perspectives.