12 March 2026

European doctors call to stop violence against healthcare professionals

On the European Awareness Day of Violence Against Doctors and Other Healthcare Professionals, the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) has published a video message from its President, Dr Ole Johan Bakke, highlighting the urgent need to address violence in healthcare settings across Europe.

Violence against healthcare professionals remains a serious and growing concern across Europe. According to the World Health Organization, one in three doctors and nurses report having experienced bullying or violent threats at work in the past year and healthcare professionals exposed to violence, harassment and bullying report up to double the prevalence of mental health difficulties.

CPME has previously brought the voice of European doctors to the European Parliament to speak out against violence in healthcare through its Doctors’ Voice campaign, raising awareness among policymakers of the scale and impact of the problem.

CPME calls for stronger action to prevent violence against healthcare professionals, including:

· Strengthening prevention and awareness programmes

· Ensuring effective reporting systems and support for victims

· Enforcing existing legislation that protects healthcare professionals in the workplace

Violence must never be considered part of the job. Healthcare professionals must be able to provide care in a safe and respectful working environment.

Watch the video:

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