A major sexual abuse scandal has rocked the U.S. Army, with a military doctor accused of secretly recording and violating dozens of vulnerable women under his medical care.
The allegations have prompted criminal charges and a sprawling civil lawsuit accusing the physician of sexually abusing patients. The case has also raised questions about the responsibilities that organizations have to prevent such abuse.
Army doctor accused of sexual abuse
The Army sent about 2,500 patient notification letters to women who were examined by Maj. Blaine McGraw, an ob-gyn doctor at Fort Hood in Texas and before that at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii.
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About 80 women representing all branches of the military are suing the doctor, accusing him of sexual assault. According to the complaints, McGraw sexually abused the women in multiple ways, including taking photos and videos of them during pelvic examinations in his exam room and touching them inappropriately.
Lawyers: A tale of two medical sexual abuse cases
Attorneys have called it one of the largest sexual abuse scandals in military and medical history based on the number of patients and the severity of allegations.
The case is also drawing comparisons to the sexual abuse scandal at Columbia University, where lawyers say another doctor sexually assaulted dozens of women for decades with their complaints ignored.
For decades, patients warned Columbia about the behavior of obstetrician Robert Hadden, with one even calling 911 and having the doctor arrested. Columbia let the doctor keep working despite being accused of sexually assaulting patients.
In 2023, he was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Columbia agreed to pay $236.5 million to resolve lawsuits brought by 226 of Hadden’s victims while admitting no wrongdoing.
Why doctor-sexual assault cases matter
These sexual abuse cases involving doctors show that sexual assault can occur even in trusted healthcare environments.
Advocates and attorneys criticize past inaction and urge institutions to strengthen oversight, particularly involving intimate care and chaperone policies, to prevent future sexual abuse involving doctors and patients.
Institutional hesitation or failure to act on early warnings also can allow abuse to continue, underscoring the need for effective complaint systems and external accountability.
Both scandals also highlight the importance of support for survivors to come forward without fear, including access to attorneys and legal representation for those accusing doctors of sexual assault.
Statute of limitations
The question of how long a person has to report sexual assault is also critical for survivors seeking justice. The statute of limitations vary widely across states. In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for sexual assault varies by case type.
Criminal prosecutions for first- and second-degree sexual assault and continuous sexual assault of a minor under 14 have no time limit, which ensures that perpetrators can face charges at any time. However, other felony sex crimes have a 3- to 5-year limit.
Frequently Asked Questions: What Should Sexual Assault Victims Do?
What should I do if I believe I was assaulted by a medical provider?
Your safety comes first. If you feel able, consider reporting the abuse to law enforcement or appropriate authorities. In military or institutional settings, there may be multiple reporting options, including criminal investigators or oversight agencies.
Do I have legal options even if I didn’t report it right away?
Yes. Many survivors do not report abuse immediately, and that is completely understandable. Civil lawsuits may still be possible even if time has passed or if a criminal case was never filed.
How can a civil lawsuit help me?
A civil lawsuit can provide compensation for therapy, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. It also allows survivors to seek accountability from both the individual abuser and institutions that failed to protect them.
Should I talk to a lawyer before speaking publicly or to investigators?
It’s often wise to consult with a law firm experienced in sexual abuse litigation. An attorney can help protect your rights, explain your options, and guide you through a process that prioritizes your well-being.
How do I choose the right law firm?
Look for a firm with experience representing sexual assault survivors, a trauma-informed approach, and a track record of holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable.
How We Help Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault
At Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman, our Hawai‘i sexual assault lawyers are committed to holding abusers and negligent institutions accountable. We offer survivors of sexual abuse the resources, experience, and respect they need to move forward. If you’re a survivor of sexual assault, our Hawai‘i legal team is here to help.
