In the years 2017 to 2023, the Ministry of Health received a total of 1,400 complaints related to sexualized violence in public mental hospitals. These complaints included a range of offenses such as harassment and rape committed by both patients and staff against other patients. Despite the ministry’s efforts to provide accurate information, some complaints are difficult to verify due to illness-induced false thoughts and fears.
The Ministry has not disclosed any details regarding how they verify these complaints or whether any sanctions were issued following their investigation. They categorize cases as either rape or “sex without mutual consent,” which is essentially an admission that the patient was forced into sexual activity. Patients in psychiatric hospitals have reported feeling completely vulnerable and unsafe, with incidents of sexualized violence occurring in wards and closed departments, particularly affecting young patients.
Victims of this type of abuse feel helpless in psychiatric wards where they should be protected. Organizations working with these victims have criticized the Ministry for their silence on the issue and dismissing complaints as unfounded due to patients’ illnesses. The Ministry states that instances suspected of criminal offenses involving staff are referred to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution, as they lack the authority to dismiss or prosecute individuals themselves.
Efforts made by advocates to address this problem have met resistance from the Ministry of Health’s unwillingness to acknowledge and address the issue seriously. Victims remain vulnerable and traumatized in an environment that should provide safety and support, highlighting the urgent need for action from government officials and healthcare providers to protect those in mental health facilities from further harm.
