Hospitals should be places of care and comfort. But more and more frequently, we’re hearing about horrific sexual assaults on staff, visitors and patients taking place, with a report in April laying bare the shocking scale of the problem.
The Women’s Rights Network (WRN) found that over 6,000 sexual attacks were reported over the last three years, including assaults on children, some who were under 13 years of age. ‘These statistics are jaw-dropping,’ says WRN founder Heather Binning. ‘We are horrified at what we have uncovered.’
The offences took place in both private and public hospitals in England and Wales, with only 4.1% of those reported resulting in the alleged offender being charged. One of the most shocking cases is that of pensioner Valerie Kneale, 75.
Valerie was sexually assaulted in Blackpool Victoria Hospital, where she’d been taken after having a stroke. The attack, in November 2018, was so violent that Valerie died from her injuries. However, the attacker still hasn’t been found.
But it’s not just patients falling victim. According to reports, three in five nurses have been sexually harassed while at work.
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin June 12, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye WOMAN'S OWN dergisinin June 12, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?