The study found that a significant number of women, 37%, have experienced sexual harm from a healthcare provider, with 22% of these incidents happening in the last five years. The data suggests that these figures are similar to instances of sexual harm outside the healthcare system. The most common types of harm reported were staring, belittling statements, requests to undress, touching, sexual offers, indecent acts, rape and extortion by threats.
Most of the harm was committed by non-gynecologists, with smaller percentages attributed to gynecologists, other healthcare professionals, dentists and nursing staff. Most incidents occurred in the community, with clinics being the most common location. A concerning aspect was that 14% of respondents reported being harmed by the same therapist multiple times and 52% were unaware of who to turn to when faced with sexual harassment in a healthcare setting.
The study also highlighted the low reporting rates of these incidents due to reasons such as doubt about whether actions constituted abuse or doubts about seriousness of case. Other reasons include shame, lack of confidence in system and fear of offending party. Following these incidents many women reported mental emotional personal and social damage.
In response to these findings experts emphasized the need for greater awareness and support for victims of sexual harassment within the healthcare system. The Ministry of Health urged individuals who had faced such harassment to reach out to supervisors within organizations or contact them directly for assistance. Authorities are taking steps to investigate and address complaints of sexual harassment in this field.