NOBAR NOP #6 (Hang Out Together Never Okay Project) is a discussion series that in this session raises the theme of Sexual Harassment in the Medical World. The lack of discussion or cases exposed by the media is the reason for raising this topic. The speakers at this event are first Dr. Sandra Suryadana (a general practitioner and founder of Doctors Without Stigma), who secondFen Budiman, S.Kep.Ns (a volunteer nurse for Covid-19 and a member of API Kartini), and Eunike Pangaribuan from the Never Okay Project, moderated by Alvin Nicola.

What’s Up with the Health World?

Sexual crimes are an interesting topic to discuss, especially in the medical field. The purpose of creating the concept “Doctors Without Stigma” is to change public understanding that may still be mistaken regarding the health profession. This is indicated by the disparity between medical teams and the community. This disparity affects health services and increases the chances of harassment because of the existing power relations.

Also read: Are You a Victim of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace? Pay Attention to These 3 Things!

Reasons for the Lack of High-Profile Sexual Violence Cases in the Medical Realm

The media monitoring carried out by NOP over the past two years shows approximately 12 cases that have been published in the media. Dr. Sandra and nurse Fen expressed that sexual harassment in the medical world has a distinct dynamic of interaction compared to other industries, stating that the reason this case is not blown up is due to the absence of written rules for victim protection, seniority systems, and feudalism among medical personnel, which will impact their careers when they disclose incidents of sexual crimes they have experienced, especially those experienced between seniors and juniors in the profession.”  Besides the power relation factor, namely the impact of victim blaming which creates reluctance for victims to report.

The phenomenon found by NOP, as stated by Nike, is that the code of ethics for the profession must be upheld, which also hinders medical teams from speak up. The professional oath stating that team members are like brothers and sisters makes them protect each other when revealing cases of sexual violence. The requirement for good service to patients is also a factor that causes paramedics to remain silent when harassed by their patients.

Also read: Survey Report on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace During WfH

How Does Sexual Violence Occur in the Medical Realm?

Sexual violence in the medical world does not always occur between medical teams or between medical personnel and their patients. It can also occur from patients to medical personnel. There is an unequal power relationship from any perspective, such as between male patients and female nurses or vice versa. The prevailing patriarchy culture also serves as a driving factor for gender disparities, leading to sexual violence where the victims can be from any party.

From nurse Fen's perspective, verbal harassment by patients towards medical teams has become a common perception. Various sexist remarks are seen as events that frequently occur, such as jokes like “Wow... why is the nurse's skirt so sexy?”

Also read: Portrait of Sexual Harassment Conditions in Companies

What Should Be Done?

The role of IDI (Indonesian Medical Association) in the field of MKEK (Medical Ethics Honorary Council) found in every institution is expected to discuss ethical violations including violations of sexual violence. Integrated and competent oversight will narrow the gap of sexual violence actions in the medical world.

The role of civil society and social organizations in voicing protection for victims will have a significant impact on minimizing such cases. Gender-based education in medical or other health curricula is considered very important to enhance understanding of sexual violence cases. Knowledge of gender issues is expected to help minimize such crimes. 

Good communication with the presence of consent in every examination of patients is fundamental to minimizing negative perceptions of medical personnel by patients. Increasing efforts to understand their rights as patients will also reduce the incidence of sexual violence in the medical field. A clear legal framework from the government will help address this iceberg incident.

NOP will continue to advocate for the passage of the P-KS Bill, which is believed to create a safe space for everyone. Together with other communities, NOP continues to fight for the rights of victims, especially of sexual harassment across various industrial realms. Because one victim of sexual harassment is already too many. Let it not happen,

Check out the full conversation on our YouTube channel!