A Limassol psychologist has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing a minor patient. The Permanent Criminal Court in Limassol issued the custodial sentence on Tuesday, following a closed-door hearing where the defendant was convicted on four counts of abuse.
- The judgement serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures within the mental health profession to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.
Psychologist: Details of the Case
The court’s ruling highlighted the severe breach of trust and authority that the psychologist exercised over the 17-and-a-half-year-old complainant, who was receiving treatment for personal issues. According to the court, the offences violated the Prevention and Combating of Sexual Abuse, Sexual Exploitation of Children and Child Pornography Law (Law 91(I)/2014) and the Prevention and Combating of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence Law (Law 115(I)/2021).
Abuse of Trust
During the sessions at his home office, the psychologist initially helped the complainant improve her self-confidence, social relationships, and academic performance. However, he later exploited this relationship by using flattering language and sharing personal anecdotes to create a false sense of intimacy.
As the court found, the defendant’s manipulative behaviour included encouraging the complainant to dress in a sexually provocative manner and suggesting that engaging in sexual activity was normal for her age. This grooming behaviour culminated in an incident where he invited her to his home under the pretext of discussing art.
The Incident Unfolds
On the day before the abuse, the psychologist asked the complainant if she wanted to learn how to kiss and engage in sexual acts. The following day, he drove her to his house, where the situation escalated. Upon arrival, he kissed her on the cheek and the mouth while being bare-chested.
He then proceeded to show her pornographic material and coerced her into performing sexual acts. The court noted that when the complainant expressed her discomfort, he dismissed her feelings, suggesting that her trembling was part of the experience.
Aftermath and Disclosure
Following the incident, the complainant felt a profound sense of betrayal. She disclosed the situation partially to two prosecution witnesses two days later, leading her to fully grasp the nature of the abuse she had suffered. The court heard that she had initially confided in the psychologist, hoping to build her strength through therapy.
Legal Proceedings and Witness Testimonies
The prosecution brought forward nine witnesses to substantiate the claims against the psychologist. In his defence, the defendant also testified under oath and called three witnesses. Despite his attempts to refute the allegations, the court found the evidence overwhelmingly in favour of the complainant.
Sentencing and Implications
The six-year sentence reflects the court’s stance on the severity of the crimes committed against a vulnerable individual. This case highlights the critical importance of safeguarding minors in therapeutic settings and ensuring that those in positions of trust are held accountable for their actions.
The judgement serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and protective measures within the mental health profession to prevent similar abuses from occurring in the future.
