A complaint for an alleged sexual assault against a patient within a operating room of the Quiche Regional Hospital keeps under investigation a nurse indicated by the family of the affected person. The case occurred in the operations area of the healthcare center, where, according to authorities, the protocol for victims of violence was activated, the Public Ministry (MP) and to National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif) and support was provided to the patient.
Although the woman decided not to ratify the complaint before the authorities, the Quiche Regional Hospital reported that the administrative investigation continues ex officio. Meanwhile, the aforementioned worker was transferred to an administrative area without contact with patients, while the internal procedures and corresponding investigations are concluded.
During the program Direct Impactof Guatevisionthe complaint filed against a nurse of the Quiche Regional Hospital, who is investigated for an alleged sexual assault against a patient in an operating room. The case led to an analysis of the vulnerability of those who remain under anesthesia, the fear that victims face in reporting, and the obligation of institutions to guarantee the investigation and protection of their rights.
Hospital activated protocol and PDH asked to report
The director of Quiche Regional Hospital, Rony Mendozaconfirmed during the news program that the complaint was indeed filed and explained that from the moment the case became known, the institutional route was activated to care for victims of violence.
“There was a complaint from a patient about a sexual assault. At the time, the conduct of the case was taken, the patient was supported, the route for victims of violence was activated, the pertinent authorities were informed, she was heard and interviewed by Inacif and the Public Ministry. In the end, the patient did not want to ratify her complaint,” Mendoza stated.
For its part, Flavio Ruizassistant to the Human Rights Ombudsman (PDH) in Santa Cruz del Quiché, urged the woman to formally present the complaint if the events occurred how they were exposed.
“That it has value… I think that is how it is corrected,” said Ruiz when referring to the importance of victims reporting these types of events.
“He is at the mercy of the person who is taking care of him”
During Direct Impactthe experts pointed out that this case shows the vulnerable condition in which patients undergoing medical procedures under sedation or anesthesia find themselves.
“When you are sedated, asleep, under anesthesia, or lose your five senses, you are at the mercy of the person who is caring for you or performing the procedure.“warned one of the panel specialists.
They added that precisely because of this condition it is necessary to strengthen controls within public and private hospitals.
“It is requested that there be more doctors, more nurses, cameras, speakers, because the place has to be protected precisely so that this does not happen.“, they indicated.
The analysts also recalled that a sexual assault It includes any act of a sexual nature carried out without the consent of one of the parties, from touching to rape.
Fear, shame and obligation to investigate
The experts agreed that the fear can become one of the main reasons why a victim decides not to continue with a complaint.
“She is afraid, she was possibly bullied, she is ashamed; then the State must give the necessary security and protection measures so that the actions can continue.“, they noted.
Likewise, they emphasized that the Public Ministry maintains the obligation to investigate the case, even when the victim does not ratify the complaint.
“The Public Ministry has the obligation, even if the victim did not want to ratify the complaint, it has to investigate ex officio.“, they stated.
Specialists warned that those who allegedly commit this type of crime usually take advantage of the victims’ vulnerable condition.
“Sexual offenders may seem like very relevant, very correct, very educated people, and yet these types of activities occur.“, they indicated.
Finally, they called for victims to request institutional support during the process.
“I know that you are afraid, but that you ask for support from the Public Ministry, because it is also your obligation to give it to you.“, they concluded.
The authorities of the Quiche Regional Hospital They keep the administrative investigation open, while the Public Ministry develops the corresponding procedures to establish whether there are criminal responsibilities in the case.
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