Scandal in Linz: Rape victims are rejected in the hospital!

Scandal in Linz: Rape victims are rejected in the hospital!

Linz, Österreich - An incident in early April 2025 in Linz causes outrage. A woman, about the end of 40 and homeless, turned after a severe sexual assault to the social worker of the association B 37. They accompanied them to the gynecological outpatient clinic of the Med Campus IV of the Linz Kepler University Clinic (KUK), where the woman was rejected, according to various reports. The person concerned had given a urine sample, but it was sent away without any further help because no pictures were possible on this day. Instead, they were asked to go to another hospital. The incident was made public by the "Kronen Zeitung", which triggered a wave of indignation, including violent criticism of the political representatives, who described the procedure as "absolutely unacceptable".

Christine Haberlander, the governor's deputy, expressed her lack of understanding of the dismissal of victims of rape and demanded that all KUK employees are trained in this sensitive area. KUK Managing Director Franz Harnoncourt apologized and also found that training of the staff was necessary to deal with survivors of sexual violence to ensure more sensitivity and empathy. "The aim is to avoid such incidents in the future," said Harnoncourt.

urgent need for action in patient care

The incidents have initiated not only in public, but also within politics. The SPÖ is now calling for the establishment of special violence in Upper Austria, while the Greens demand clear regulations for the treatment of victims of violence in hospitals. The FPÖ, on the other hand, calls for organizational measures to ensure the security of those affected and to prevent a repetition of comparable incidents. In a further step, a round of table invasion with representatives of all Upper Austrian hospitals and the police are sought to identify optimization potential.

comprehensive medical measures after an attack are of the greatest importance. Those affected should go to a gynecological examination promptly, regardless of whether they want to file a criminal complaint. Medical treatment within the first 24 hours makes it possible to secure evidence and document injuries. It is important that women do not panic after an attack and let qualified experts help.

protection and prevention

Medical specialists can help prevent health risks such as infections with sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. Tests on HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are part of the supply, just like the possibility of prescribing the "pill after", if necessary. In addition, mental health should not be neglected; Immediate mental help can limit psychological damage and support the woman affected.

The dismissal of the woman after sexual assault raises fundamental questions about patient care in emergencies and illustrates the urgent need for action in the medical care of victims of violence. The incident shows how important awareness and corresponding training in healthcare are in order to meet the needs of surviving sexual violence and to provide them with the necessary support.