News/Blog

Sexism and Sexual Violence Towards Medical Students - British Medical Association (BMA) Report

Hundreds of medical students report being victims of sexual misconduct and institutional neglect in UK-wide British Medical Association (BMA) survey exposing widespread sexism and sexual violence whilst studying medicine.

Summary of findings:

• 84% of respondents believed that sexism is a problem in medical education
• 41% of female respondents and 19% of male respondents had been targets of sexual harassment or assault at university
• 60% of respondents did not have faith in their medical school’s ability to adequately respond to a future incident of sexual harassment and assault
• 75% of respondents who reported sexual harassment or sexual assault said they were ‘not really’ or ‘not at all’ satisfied with the outcome
• 67% who were subjected to sexual assault or harassment chose not to report it

Respondent Testimonies:

• “The system is broken: it puts student, staff and patient safety at risk, and it left me silenced and exhausted.”
• “Students are left to fall through the cracks. While we are held to the same professional standards as doctors, this professional status does not extend to our safeguarding.” 
• “I considered leaving medicine altogether. That thought scared me because all I ever wanted to do is become a doctor.”
• “University allowed a repeated predator who sexually assaulted other students back onto the course. They encouraged victims not to go to the police as it would impact their reputation.”
• “I was told it might reflect poorly on my professionalism if I told the medical school I had been assaulted by another student but refused to reveal their identity. There was no way to anonymously report this, and I felt too scared to report it non-anonymously.”
• “It was as if this was an accepted part of the job, and it would be rude or unprofessional to call out the inappropriate sexualisation.”

Recommendations include:

• The Government to bring forward legislation that introduces a statutory duty of care on higher education institutions for their students.
• Medical schools to work together to agree clear, tough sanctions for sexual violence.
• Universities, medical schools and placement providers must provide multiple channels for reporting, including anonymous reporting routes, ensuring students can confidentially disclose incidents without fear of reprisal.
• Measures to minimise interactions between the complainant and the accused must be put in place while prioritising the wellbeing of the complainant.
• Clinical placement providers and medical schools must provide a safe and inclusive working environment for all students, starting with signing up to NHS England’s Sexual Safety Charter and the BMA’s Ending Sexism in Medicine pledge.

EmilyTest response:

The findings from the BMA report into sexism and sexual violence towards medical students in the UK make for a difficult and upsetting read, but they remind us why change is so essential.

The survey’s findings, while troubling, clearly demonstrate the ongoing need for systemic action. At EmilyTest, we continue to prioritise the development and implementation of effective GBV prevention, intervention, and support across Higher and Further Education in the UK and Ireland.

Change is possible - and through collective efforts with institutions, policymakers, and advocates, we can create learning environments where every student can learn and live free from harm.

Access the full report here.