Some time ago, my life was derailed by an experience that no one should have to endure: exploitation by someone entrusted with my mental health. Navigating through the aftermath of such a breach of trust has been overwhelmingly difficult, leaving scars that affect every aspect of my life. Unfortunately, I am not alone in this predicament. This petition is for the countless other survivors who have faced similar exploitation in Kentucky and deserve justice and protection.

In the United States, 26 states, including our neighboring states of Tennessee and Ohio, have enacted laws specifically criminalizing psychotherapist-patient sexual exploitation. These laws recognize the severe psychological harm this exploitation inflicts and aim to prevent further tragedies. Kentucky, however, remains silent on this issue, consequently leaving its citizens vulnerable and without adequate legal recourse.

Statistics reveal a distressing reality: victims of therapist sexual exploitation suffer significant psychological trauma, and, in some heartbreaking cases, this trauma proves fatal. The absence of stringent laws in Kentucky to combat this issue only contributes to this devastating cycle.

We must recognize this form of abuse for what it is and demand legislative action. Kentucky lawmakers have the power to ensure that no more patients become victims of such exploitation. Establishing specific legal measures against psychotherapist-patient sexual exploitation should be a priority to safeguard the mental health and personal safety of all Kentuckians.

This petition calls for immediate action to draft and enact legislation that criminalizes psychotherapist-patient sexual exploitation in Kentucky. Let us join forces to push for change, protect vulnerable individuals, and offer a beacon of hope to survivors who have suffered in silence for too long.

Sign this petition to voice your support for a dedicated law protecting patients from sexual exploitation in Kentucky. Together, we can make a profound difference, honor the courage of survivors, and bring about the essential change needed in our state’s healthcare system.

In the mental health profession, it is universally acknowledged by ethics boards—including the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)—that a client cannot legally or psychologically give consent to a sexual relationship with their therapist. It is also known that, ‘once a client, always a client.’ Therefore, the power imbalance remains. The severe inherent power imbalance makes true consent impossible. Yet, Kentucky's current legal framework treats this profound exploitation as a mere licensing technicality, resulting in nothing more than short-term administrative suspensions or fines.

When a professional shatters their ethical boundaries to exploit a vulnerable person, it is a sex crime, not an administrative infraction.

At least 26 states—including our neighbors like Tennessee and Ohio—have already enacted laws that criminalize psychotherapist-patient sexual exploitation. Kentucky is lagging behind, leaving its citizens completely unprotected. Tragically, statistics show that many survivors of this specific medical trauma suffer devastating psychological harm, and some take their own lives. This petition is a voice for those who can no longer speak.

Our Demand:

We call on Governor Andy Beshear and leadership in the Kentucky General Assembly to champion and pass legislation upgrading psychotherapist-patient sexual exploitation from a simple licensing penalty to a criminal charge. Our laws must state clearly: when consent cannot be given, it is a crime.

Please sign and share this petition to protect Kentucky veterans, survivors, and vulnerable patients.