Dit is de Engelse vertaling van de Spaanse brief die door (huis)artsen aan Ministerie van Volksgezondheid in Spanje gestuurd kan worden i.k.v. 8 maartactie 2007.
Mrs. Elena Salgado Méndez Ministra de Sanidad y Consumo Paseo del Prado 18-20 28071 Madrid Spanje Fax: 91 429 35 25
Dear Minister, As a Health Professional practising in the Netherlands, I would like to express my concern about the rights of victims of gender-based violence in Spain. One year after the implementation of the Basic Law on Comprehensive Protection Measures against Gender-based Violence (Ley Orgánica de Medidas de Protección Integral contra la Violencia de Género), obstacles remain for women who are victims of gender-based violence. Amnesty International’s report Spain: More rights but the obstacles remain (AI Index: EUR 41/006/2006) mentions the lack of healthcare assistance for women who are victims of gender-based violence and the failure to detect such violence at an early stage. There is a need for adequate training for healthcare professionals which is sensitive to gender issues and which investigates the causes of gender-based violence. Despite the commitments made in the Comprehensive Law, violence against women does not appear to be a priority in the healthcare sector. I therefore kindly urge you to take immediate action to implement the following measures: To adopt a national programme based on the results of an assessment of the protection requirements and health needs of victims of gender-based violence, which is designed to guarantee a high quality and uniform response to gender-based violence throughout Spain. To establish compulsory training for all health professionals that includes the causes and effects of gender-based violence as well as strategies for providing medical assistance and protection to women who need it. To provide sufficient funding for key sectors in healthcare (such as emergency services and municipal healthcare centres) in order to adequately help women who have experienced genderbased violence.
Thank you for your attention. Yours sincerely,
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