Healthcare workers in Malatya face violence in hospitals and do not feel safe
A survey conducted in Malatya showed that healthcare workers face violence and mobbing in hospitals, none of the employees feel safe, and they demand a more active struggle from trade unions.
A survey study on violence against women conducted with healthcare workers in Malatya revealed security issues and incidents of violence in hospitals. The research revealed that a significant portion of healthcare workers have experienced violence and do not feel completely safe in hospitals.
Scope of the Survey
A comprehensive survey on violence against women was conducted with the participation of workers serving at Malatya Training and Research Hospital, Turgut Özal Medical Center, and various healthcare institutions.
Rates of Violence and Mobbing
According to the obtained data, the rate of healthcare workers experiencing verbal, physical, and psychological violence within the past year was determined to be at least 40 percent. It was established that female workers were particularly exposed to mobbing originating from the hospital administration.
Security Perception and Reservations
To the question asked in the survey, "Do you feel safe in the hospital?", one hundred percent of the participants answered no. It was observed that employees who are victims of violence experienced reservations regarding reporting the incident due to reasons such as administrative pressure, the length of the process, and insufficient punishments.
Distribution by Occupational Groups
The research determined that the group exposed to violence consisted of 80 percent nurses and midwives, and hospital administration mobbing was mostly observed in this segment. It was ascertained that physicians were mostly exposed to physical violence by patients and their relatives.
Solution Proposals and Expectations
As a solution, employees demanded the restoration of their reputation, heavier penalties, and an increase in the number of security personnel and staff. In addition, it was emphasized that the white code application should be strengthened and removed from being an element of psychological pressure.
All participants in the survey expressed the opinion that trade unions should assume a much more active role regarding violence against women in healthcare.