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According to the Delaware County Daily Times, a chiropractor has been arrested for groping a patient during their exam. Ardel Cirio, 61-years-old, has been accused of sexually assaulting two more patients. Previous allegations involve a woman saying she felt uncomfortable during an examination with Cirio, as he moved hands gradually closer to her breasts during a shoulder adjustment.
One victim stated she became uncomfortable when he moved his hands under her bra and brushed her breasts at the beginning of July 2020. She stated she was unsure if this was related to her treatment. The victim began searching what is considered inappropriate touching and groping reported the Delaware County Daily Times.
Another victim said Cirio began to massage her breasts with oils with her shirt up at the beginning of September 2020. The victim reported Cirio pushed her head away while her arms were above her head, and he was kneeling next to her. According to the affidavit, she described it felt as someone was “softly kissing or licking her breasts.”
Cirio was initially charged with one count of a second-degree misdemeanor: indecent assault without another’s consent. He now faces a second count of the same charge, reported the Delaware County Daily Times.
Attorney contributor Guy D'Andrea, an experienced sexual abuse lawyer, has represented many victims sexually assaulted by a doctor. Below, Brian provides commentary on these victims’ rights to help them determine their legal options.
“Doctors are trusted in our communities, and we expect them to carry themselves respectfully and professionally. Unfortunately, in some cases, doctors abuse their positions of trust and exploit patients in vulnerable positions during examinations. Measures should be put in place to ensure the safety of patients. In the criminal justice system, medical professionals are held accountable for their actions. Victims of doctor sexual assault should know their legal options.”
“Medical facilities are legally obligated to uphold patient’s safety. Security measures, such as easy reporting systems, should be implemented to uphold patients safety. Sexual misconduct by a doctor is often the result of negligence. In some cases, there is a negligent third party that could have prevented the abuse. An example of negligence is if misconduct complaints were filed, but not investigated. In negligence cases, victims should secure the services of an experienced sexual abuse lawyer to learn their legal rights. Victims may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit and receive compensation for abuse.”
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