According to researchers, who have written a letter to the Medical Journal of Australia, a majority of women GPs suffer sexual harassment from patients at some point in their career.

The most common complaints made by women GPs are wrong examination by 64.9%, inappropriate exposure of body parts by 55.7% and remarks based on gender by 43.3% and inappropriate gifts by 42.3%

A survey was conducted by Dr. Peter Bratuskins of Monash University in Melbourne and a questionnaire was prepared by him. According to the survey, problems such as touching and grabbing are also complained by 30.9% by women GPs. He along with his colleagues told that about 54.5% of respondents have been harassed by a patient.

Two-third of them even say that such incidents have changed their style of dealing with patients. Changes include reserved way in consultations, not performing certain examinations, keeping their personal life more private and altering their dressing style and not working after hours or alone.

A fewer than one in 10 says that they have received training related to sexual harassment. This is said by the authors who wish for such actions that can increase awareness and support for Australian doctors.