Sexual boundary violations committed by female forensic workers.

A vast literature has focused on sexual boundary violations in professional practice. Much of this analysis has focused on the intersection between gender and professional authority in cases of misconduct committed by male professionals against female clients and patients. Although certainly of importance, such power-based gender analysis may overlook instances of misconduct in which a female professional engages in a sexual encounter with a male client. This article provides a review and analysis of the literature regarding sexual misconduct committed by female forensic workers. Aspects considered include the characteristics of the male forensic patient or prisoner, the characteristics of the female forensic worker, the organizational milieu, and the consequences of the misconduct. Recommendations for practice are offered.