Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue within the medical profession across Europe, according to a recent survey conducted by Medscape Network Editions between April and September 2024. The study collected responses from 4,339 physicians across six European countries—France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, and Italy—highlighting the disturbing reality that inappropriate sexual behavior knows no borders in the healthcare field.
The United Kingdom emerged with the highest reported rate of victimization, with 9% of British doctors stating they had experienced inappropriate behavior, abuse, or sexual harassment in the workplace within the past three years. This figure suggests a deeply rooted problem that affects the integrity and safety of the medical work environment.
In France, 6% of doctors reported similar experiences, followed by Germany, Italy, and Spain, each with 5%. Portugal had the lowest reported rate, at 3%, although this does not necessarily mean harassment is less prevalent—it may reflect underreporting due to cultural or institutional factors.
More broadly, the number of physicians who had witnessed sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior during their practice was higher. In Germany, 14% of respondents reported being witnesses, followed closely by France at 12%. These numbers underline a widespread awareness of the issue among healthcare professionals, even if they have not been directly affected themselves.
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Varied Forms of Inappropriate Behavior
While the overall incidence of harassment is similar across countries, the nature of the behaviors varies significantly. In Germany, an overwhelming 74% of the victims reported experiencing non-consensual physical contact, such as unwelcome hugging and touching. In contrast, sexually suggestive comments and invasive stares were more commonly reported in Portugal (66%) and Germany (60%).
One particularly alarming finding came from Portugal, where more than 30% of doctors who experienced harassment said it included physical coercion, with some cases escalating to rape. These figures point to not only cultural differences in how harassment manifests but also potentially severe gaps in workplace protections and support systems.
Across all six countries surveyed, between 20% and 30% of physicians reported being subjected to either explicit or implicit sexual propositions. Additionally, 15% to 22% of respondents stated they had received sexually explicit messages—such as emails, text messages, or handwritten notes—from colleagues.
One disturbing anecdote came from a female psychiatrist in France who described a long-standing pattern of inappropriate remarks from a male colleague. “Every morning, he would greet me with, ‘Are you sucking today?’” she shared with Medscape. This type of recurring verbal harassment reflects a culture that has normalized crude and offensive behavior, often leaving victims feeling powerless.
A Systemic Problem Demanding Action
The data suggest that sexual harassment in the medical field is not a series of isolated incidents but a systemic issue that spans countries and cultures. Medical institutions across Europe need to confront these findings and implement stronger preventive measures, including better reporting systems, training, and clear consequences for inappropriate behavior.
Raising awareness and fostering supportive work environments where all staff feel safe and respected must become a top priority for healthcare administrators and policymakers alike. The lives and dignity of those who dedicate themselves to healing others depend on it.
This article is originally published on francais.medscape.
