Between 2017 and 2023, more than 1,400 complaints of sexualized violence were filed with the Ministry of Health in public mental hospitals. These complaints include incidents of sexual harassment, sexualized assault, indecent assault, and rape perpetrated by both patients against other patients and staff against patients. Despite efforts to provide precise numbers, the Ministry of Health struggles due to some complaints being linked to symptoms of patients’ illnesses, leading to false accusations and fears.
The Ministry of Health has remained tight-lipped about the validation of complaints or any subsequent sanctions. However, they classify reported cases into categories such as rape and “sex without mutual consent,” which essentially means rape. Patients in psychiatric hospitals report a lack of security and safety in these settings, with sexualized violence occurring in wards and closed departments. Young hospitalized individuals are identified as the most vulnerable group in these environments.
Victims of sexualized violence who are left traumatized and experiencing nervous exhaustion are sometimes admitted to psychiatric wards themselves, leaving them exposed to further harm from other patients. Organizations advocating for these victims have been pushing for the Ministry of Health to address these issues head-on, criticizing their stance that the complaints are due to patients’ illnesses as invalid. This criticism is especially valid given incidents of pregnancies resulting from these situations that highlight how vulnerable psychiatric hospital patients are to sexual harm.
In cases involving criminal offenses suspected to be committed by staff members at public mental hospitals, the Ministry of Health refers cases to the police and prosecutor’s office for dismissal or prosecution outside their authority. Efforts by various organizations aim to address systemic issues that ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in psychiatric hospitals who are at risk of sexualized violence.
In conclusion, it is clear that there is a significant problem with sexualized violence in public mental hospitals that needs immediate attention from authorities. The Ministry of Health must work towards providing better support systems for victims while also addressing underlying issues related to patient safety and well-being in these environments. Failure to do so will only lead to continued trauma and harm among vulnerable groups like young hospitalized individuals who need protection from those who would prey on them during their time at mental health facilities.