“This situation cannot continue”alerts François Arnault. The Order of Physicians, of which he chairs the national council (CNOM), reveals on Wednesday November 20 the results of an investigation into sexist or sexual violence (SGBV) suffered by female doctors. No less than 49% of respondents say they have been victims of another doctor, man or woman, during their studies or career.
The investigation was launched in September in the wake of the #MeToo movement at the hospital, after the revelations of numerous professionals about sexism, assault and rape in the medical environment. The report, established with the Viavoice survey institute based on the responses of 21,140 doctors registered with the Order (including 19,104 active and 2,036 retired or inactive), requested by email. The results highlight the extent to which comments and actions relating to SGBV are widespread in the medical world, particularly during the student journey.
No less than 54% of the doctors questioned, men and women combined, were for example aware of violence committed by a doctor registered with the order, in particular during the student career. In total, 26% of doctors, all genders combined, say they have been victims of SGBV by another doctor; in detail, 23% of professionals say they have suffered “sexist and sexual outrage”, 8% mention sexual harassment, 3% an assault, and less than 1% a rape. Of all the professionals questioned, 23% were victims of SGBV by a doctor during their studies, and 10% in the professional environment.
Female doctors are particularly affected, since 49% say they have been victims of SGBV by a colleague, compared to 3% of men. No less than 44% of those questioned mentioned events suffered during their student career, and 20% in the professional environment. Some 44% of female doctors mention sexist outrage, 16% harassment, 6% assault and 1% rape.
According to the survey, SGBV inflicted on victims (regardless of their gender) during studies are mainly committed by practicing doctors and not by classmates – with the exception of rape, which is mainly attributed to other students. .
Almost all the doctors questioned (92%), victims or not, think that a victim of SGBV encounters difficulties in “to be recognized” through listening, support or the possibility of taking legal action. Asked about the causes of this problem, respondents mentioned shame and fear, obstacles in the process of denouncing, but also, at 39%, “a culture of VSS trivialized in the medical world”in particular due to a minimization of their seriousness and fears of repercussions on their career. Only 3% of doctors who are victims of VSS say they are certain that the Order of Physicians has been informed of it.
Only 15% of the total doctors questioned said they were aware of cases of “professional discrimination following a denunciation of VSS“, as an obstacle to professional advancement, mockery or ostracization. The majority of respondents (62%) believe that a broader investigation into professional discrimination seems necessary.
“The phenomenon has been under-considered by the Order, as in all other segments of society”conceded the president of the CNOM during a press conference on Wednesday. “Our goal is zero tolerance. (…) The Order must be the guarantor of probity and morality.” To this end, the organization ensures that all reports made to it will be followed up.
The Order of Physicians also asks the legislator to authorize it to consult the file of perpetrators of sexual or violent offenses (Fijais), with a view to refusing registration requests from the people who appear there. “And [le candidat] is registered there, he will not be able to become a doctor”insisted Marie-Pierre Glaviano-Ceccaldi, vice-president of the CNOM.
