In 2021, the National Association of Medical Students of France (ANEMF) investigated sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) 15% of respondents said they had suffered sexual assault during their studies. “In medical studies, sexual violence is part of the initiation rites from the start,” says Zoé, 33, a general practitioner in the west of France.
The healthcare environment seemed conducive to a lot of abuse, ranging from dirty jokes to outright aggression. And this, from the first steps. The word ‘#MeToo’ has been used to refer to a number of health professionals who have been accused of sexual assault. ‘There was a need for public speaking to free up private speaking,’ says Karine Lacombe, who wants to “help move the system.” The start of #MeToo in hospitals? “I hope so,“ she slips. ‘I really need to talk to you,‘ writes one caregiver.