Scandal in Linz: Rape victim is turned away from hospital!

Scandal in Linz: Rape victim is turned away from hospital!

An incident in Linz at the beginning of April 2025 caused outrage. A woman, around her late 40s and homeless, turned to social workers from the B 37 association after a serious sexual assault. They accompanied her to the gynecological outpatient clinic on Med Campus IV of the Linz Kepler University Hospital (KUK), where the woman was turned away, according to various reports. The affected person gave a urine sample, but was sent away without further help because no recordings were possible that day. Instead, they were told to go to another hospital. The incident was made public by the Kronen Zeitung, sparking a wave of indignation, including strong criticism from political representatives who described the action as “absolutely unacceptable”.

Christine Haberlander, the deputy state governor, expressed her incomprehension about the rejection of rape victims and demanded that all KUK employees be trained in this sensitive area. KUK managing director Franz Harnoncourt apologized and also noted that staff training on how to deal with survivors of sexual violence was necessary to ensure greater sensitivity and empathy. “The aim of the training is to avoid such incidents in the future,” says Harnoncourt.

Urgent need for action in patient care

The incidents have triggered a rethink not only among the public, but also within politics. The SPÖ is now calling for the establishment of a special violence clinic in Upper Austria, while the Greens are calling for clear regulations for the treatment of victims of violence in hospitals. The FPÖ, on the other hand, is calling for organizational measures to ensure the safety of those affected and to prevent similar incidents from happening again. In a further step, a round table meeting with representatives from all Upper Austrian hospitals and the police will be sought to identify potential for optimization.

Comprehensive medical measures following an assault are of utmost importance. Those affected should seek a gynecological examination as soon as possible, regardless of whether they want to file a criminal complaint. Medical treatment within the first 24 hours allows evidence to be preserved and injuries to be documented. It is important that women do not panic after an assault and seek help from qualified professionals.

Protection and prevention

Medical professionals can help prevent health risks such as sexually transmitted disease infections or pregnancy. Tests for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are part of the care, as is the option to prescribe the morning after pill if necessary. Additionally, mental health should not be neglected; Immediate emotional help can limit psychological damage and support the woman affected.

The rejection of the woman after the sexual assault raises fundamental questions about patient care in emergency situations and highlights the urgent need for action in the medical care of victims of violence. The incident highlights the importance of raising awareness and training in healthcare settings to meet the needs of survivors of sexual violence and provide them with the support they need.