Uncovering the Dark Reality of Sexualized Violence in Public Mental Hospitals: A Call for Action and Accountability from the Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health has received 1,400 complaints of sexualized violence in public mental hospitals between 2017 and 2023. These complaints range from sexual harassment to rape, committed by both patients against other patients and staff against patients. Despite the difficulty in providing precise numbers due to some complaints being a result of a person’s illness, leading to false complaints, thoughts, and fears, the ministry has not disclosed any information about how these complaints are verified or any subsequent sanctions issued.

The ministry categorizes cases into rape and “sex without mutual consent,” which essentially amounts to rape. Patients in psychiatric hospitals report feeling a complete lack of security and safety, with sexualized violence occurring in wards and closed departments, particularly affecting young patients. Victims of sexualized violence feel defenseless in psychiatric wards, where they should be protected. Organizations working with these victims have criticized the ministry for remaining silent on the issue and dismissing complaints as fictitious due to patients’ illnesses.

According to the ministry, incidents suspected of criminal offenses involving staff are referred to the police and prosecutors as they do not have the authority to dismiss or prosecute individuals. Efforts to address the issue of sexualized violence in mental hospitals have met resistance from the ministry’s reluctance to acknowledge and address the problem. Victims are left vulnerable and traumatized in an environment that should provide security and support, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect patients in these settings.

The ministry needs to take immediate action on this issue by acknowledging its severity and taking concrete steps towards prevention and protection of patients from sexualized violence. This includes providing proper training for staff on how to handle such situations effectively, improving patient care by ensuring that their privacy is respected at all times while also providing them with access to support services when needed.

Additionally, there is a need for better reporting mechanisms that allow victims of sexualized violence in mental hospitals to come forward without fear or stigma. The ministry should also establish clear guidelines on how it will handle such cases moving forward.

In conclusion, it is crucial that the Ministry of Health takes action on this issue as soon as possible by acknowledging its severity and taking concrete steps towards prevention and protection of patients from sexualized violence. Failure to do so will only lead to more victims being left vulnerable and traumatized in an environment that should provide security and support.