Concerns Growing Over Treatment Of Sexual Assault And Rape Victims At Mater Dei Hospital
Alarms are being raised over the treatment of victims of sexual assault at Mater Dei Hospital amid claims that rape victims are sometimes being told to head to the police station to file a report before receiving urgent treatment rather than following official protocol.
Speaking to Lovin Malta, Victim Support Malta, which is meant to lead a joint initiative with Mater Dei Hospital to help sexual assault victims, said that there have been a growing number of issues in relation to the treatment of victims of sexual assault at Mater Dei Hospital.
It also confirmed that it was not contacted with regard to a recent case. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said it was looking into whether protocols are being breached, but is yet to receive an official complaint.
“We have brought many of these issues to the attention of Mater Dei management and over the past month have been in talks with them to rectify the growing number of complaints and mistreatment of victims of Sexual assault victims,” VSM said.
“A number of stakeholders have been involved, including staff from the Gynae department, Emergency, Administration (on behalf of Mater Dei), ourselves as Victim Support Malta and we are also involving the Police so as to develop more access and better services to victims of sexual assault.”
VSM provides a 24/7 crisis worker service to victims who approach the police or Mater Dei which is called Care for Victims of Sexual Assault(CVSA). The role of crisis workers is to ensure that the victim receives the attention, medical assistance, information, medication, support and legal guidance necessary especially considering that a victim of sexual assault will be likely to be in a state of shock.
Police are only called in upon the victim’s request and are asked to go to the hospital.
“This role is crucial to reduce the possibility of re-traumatisation,” VSM said.
However, VSM does need to be contacted by Mater Dei so crisis workers can come. They must also be given access to the victim, especially during the examination process in order to ensure hand-holding support to the victim.
The patient is also given an early appointment at the genitourinary clinic to screen for sexually transmitted infections and offer follow-up. Follow-up counselling and legal services are also available free of charge through Victim Support Malta.
Malta’s Health Ministry confirmed that patients who have been sexually assaulted are meant to be assigned high-priority at triage and are seen in a closed room for greater privacy. It also confirmed that patients are in the care of CVSA.
However, it urged people to file official complaints with the hospital so it can take action.
“Protocol breaches in such sensitive situations are taken very seriously by the Health Ministry and are being looked into internally.
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