European doctors call for action on Awareness Day of Violence Against Doctors and other Healthcare Professionals
Violence against healthcare professionals is increasing at an alarming rate across Europe.
The World Health Organization reports that up to 38% of healthcare professionals suffer physical violence at some point in their careers, and many more are exposed to verbal and online abuse.
Such aggression can have devastating consequences, including physical injuries, impacts on mental health, and in the most extreme cases even death.
Violence and abuse also coexist with burnout, a growing factor in professionals choosing to leave the health sector altogether. This interacts with unsafe working conditions, health workforce shortages and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"When doctors face violence in the workplace, the effects go far beyond the immediate harm. It takes a toll on their mental and physical well-being, drains motivation, and drives medical professionals away from the field at a time when healthcare needs them the most.
"Protecting doctors from violence is crucial for ensuring their safety, but also for safeguarding the future of healthcare itself. On European Awareness Day on Violence Against Doctors and Healthcare Professionals, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing this pressing issue together with our partners, including European Medical Organisations."
On 20 March from 13:30-15:30 our #DoctorsVoice videos will be shown to Members of the European Parliament in Brussels.
Contact us to hear the stories of Europe’s doctors and discuss solutions: [email protected]