Threats and Violence Against a Female Doctor in Istanbul
Istanbul is becoming an increasingly difficult environment for healthcare professionals. Female physicians in particular face many challenges throughout their careers, and physical and psychological violence is at the forefront of these challenges. A recent incident has once again highlighted the seriousness of this problem. A female physician working in Gaziosmanpaşa was subjected to threats and assaults.
Development of the Event
The incident came to the fore with the statement of the Hekimsen Union. The defendant threatened our doctor by saying, “I will kill you.” Such statements constitute not only an individual attack but also a general threat to those who provide health services. The court accepted the defendant’s behavior as a crime of threatening a woman and decided to punish him.
Judicial Process and Penalties
The court gave various sentences considering the defendant's statements and the violence he used against our doctor. The breaking of the index finger of our doctor's right hand also brought the crime of intentional injury to the agenda. Therefore, the defendant was sentenced to a total of 13 months and 15 days in prison In addition, since our doctor is a public servant, this penalty was increased by half. 1 year 7 month 15 days as.
The court also accepted that crimes committed against healthcare workers should be punished more severely in accordance with the Health Services Fundamental Law. This situation reveals that healthcare workers need to receive more support from society.
Preventing Violence Against Women
Violence against women is not only a physical attack, but also a psychological trauma. Every segment of society has great responsibilities to prevent such incidents. Strengthening education, awareness and support mechanisms are extremely important to prevent such incidents.
- Training Programs: Education programs should be organized to combat violence in society. These programs will ensure that both women and men are aware of the consequences of violence.
- Helplines: Special help lines for victims of violence against women should be established and the effectiveness of these lines should be increased.
- Social Awareness: The media should raise social awareness by frequently bringing up the issue of violence against women.
Protection of Healthcare Workers
Healthcare workers are the most important members of society. Their safety is of vital importance for the sustainability of the healthcare system. Therefore, various measures should be taken to protect healthcare workers:
- Security precautions: Security measures in hospitals should be increased and employees should be made to feel safe.
- Reporting Incidents of Violence: Reporting of incidents of violence against healthcare workers should be encouraged and these incidents should be monitored.
- Psychological support: Psychological support should be provided to healthcare workers who are exposed to violence.
Conclusion
This incident in Istanbul once again highlights the difficulties faced by female physicians. The safety of healthcare professionals is of critical importance for the health of society. In order to prevent such incidents, both social awareness and legal regulations need to be strengthened. Violence against women and violence against healthcare professionals should be addressed as a common problem of society and solutions should be developed together.
