Kepler University Hospital

Key Lessons Learned from Cases of Violence Against Women

Research into the causes of violence was conducted at Kepler University Hospital(Bild: Markus Wenzel)

Following two cases in which women may not have received adequate care after acts of violence, the Kepler University Hospital conducted an investigation into the causes. More staff are now being assigned to the violence emergency clinics, and operating hours are being extended.

The cases of two rape victims (one of whom was a transgender woman) who received no care at all—or possibly not quickly enough—at hospitals in Linz prompted the Kepler University Hospital to “meticulously review everything,” as Managing Director Meinhard Lukas emphasizes. During the investigation into the causes and the analysis of errors, it was determined that, from a medical standpoint, everything was done correctly. “But of course we want to learn from this,” says Lukas.

Misconceptions
He also emphasizes, however, that the public perception of what a sexual assault clinic actually is and can do leaves room for improvement and may be based on a misunderstanding. “We don’t operate 24 hours a day here. And the clinic primarily focuses on forensic work,” says Lukas. For example, evidence of violence is secured here in close coordination with medical specialists. This is because victims of violence suffer a wide variety of injuries that require treatment.

Doormen have also been incorporated into the team
As a direct consequence of the incident in 2025, in which a homeless woman who had apparently been raped was turned away at the entrance, doormen will also be integrated into the violence protection teams in the future and trained accordingly. These teams have been in place since 2019 at all three locations of the Kepler University Hospital, thanks to an initiative by Monika Kern, head of the Department of Clinical Social Work.

In addition, the opening hours of the violence emergency clinic are to be extended, and additional staff will be hired. “Our hospital is always open to all victims of violence. They will be cared for and treated here,” Lukas emphasizes.