the Minister of Health announces new measures

The day after a rally in front of the Ministry of Health in Paris against sexist and sexual violence in the health sector, Minister Frédéric Valletoux announced new measures on Friday May 31, franceinfo learned. The government intends in particular to strengthen the training of health professionals and improve support for victims.

Starting this year, and within three years, all professionals working at the hospital will have to undergo compulsory training in the prevention of gender-based and sexual violence. This will also apply to all supervisors who supervise the more vulnerable interns. The government also wants to respond to criticism from victims who regret that their report is not followed up within their hospital, with investigations often being carried out internally. A unit of external experts will therefore be created at national level. Based on their investigations within the establishments, these professionals will have to ensure that the victims’ procedures are successful.

Finally, an association will manage a dedicated telephone hotline which will offer psychological or medical follow-up, particularly for self-employed health professionals who are victims of sexist or sexual violence.