The National Council of the Order of Physicians (CNOM) published this Wednesday, November 20, the results of a broad survey on sexist and sexual violence.
21,140 doctors (around 7.5% of the French workforce) responded to the survey. A panel that is not formally representative of the profession, but the figures remain “very worrying”, according to the CNOM.
The victims are mainly women.
Among the doctors surveyed, 29% of them “declare having been victims, mostly during their student career” of sexist and sexual violence. Among the victims there is “a very strong preponderance of women.” 54% of active female doctors consider themselves victims, compared to only 5% of male doctors. Among women victims of violence, 49% suffered sexist and sexual insults and 18% suffered sexual harassment. 9% suffered sexual assault and 2% rape.
“This violence comes, in a significant proportion, from doctors enrolled in the Order,” specifies the report published this Wednesday. Thus, 26% of people who report sexist and sexual violence say they are victims of other doctors.
Victims have difficulties being recognized as victims, “only 3% of them declare having been informed to the Order.”
Three out of four doctors want more information
Fear of retaliation and embarrassment, pressure from superiors and the slowness of the procedure are the main obstacles to reporting. “Two thirds of doctors deplore professional discrimination against victims,” according to the Order of Physicians. There is a significant lack of information on this topic.
“Only 28% of doctors say they know what help is available for victims. Three out of four doctors say they need more information,” the College of Physicians report continues.
This research follows the wave of Testimonials and reactions from doctors, interns and other caregivers. It happened in the spring, in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Many caregivers denounced a “patriarchal culture” established in the hospital and a tradition of secrecy favorable to sexist and sexist violence. Former Health Minister Frédéric Valletoux led consultations and announced several measures at the end of May, including the implementation of training for all staff.
Source: BFM TV
