A Kurdish Woman offended by a doctor

Alert DateFebruary 24, 2011 Country: Sweden Address: Stockholm General Type: Institutional discrimination Racism and discrimination phenomena: Anti-migrant/xenophobia
Groups affected / Interested in: Ethnic minorities Key socio-economic/institutional areas: Health and social protection Hate speech/Racist Discourse Medium: Other

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Victims Data
Victims Nationality/Ethnic Origin Iraqi
Victims Gender Female
Victims Age 46-55
Victims Number 1
Fatalities - deaths N/A
Perpetrators Data
Perpetrators Nationality/Ethnic Origin Swedish
Perpetrator Gender Male
Perpetrator Age 46-55
Perpetrators Number 1
Extremist/Organised Group Violence No

A doctor offended a Kurdish woman during a visit to the orthopaedic clinic at the Central Hospital in Karlstad. The woman sought treatment for pain in her knees and thighs. When she walked into the reception room together with the interpreter the doctor asked why she has not learned Swedish, despite living in Sweden for 15 years. He repeated the question several times and also commented on her facial tattoos. The woman felt so bad after the visit that she did not seek medical attention again, even though the symptoms continued. DO sued the County Council for direct discrimination and harassment due to ethnicity. A settlement was reached with the County Council that awarded the woman 30,000 SEK (3,000 euro).

Source: Case nr: 2009/ 337 (Landstinget i Värmland: ANM 2009/337), The Equality Ombudsman, http://www.do.se