Doctors under attack: violence prevention law on the brink!

Doctors under attack: violence prevention law on the brink!

The increasing violence against medical staff in Germany is causing alarming reactions. Before a hearing of the Legal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, Dr. Klaus Reinhardt, President of the German Medical Association, said that doctors, nurses and other health workers are increasingly confronted with attacks in their everyday lives. In recent years, a worrying brutalization of society has been observed, resulting in an increase in attacks and verbal abuse against medical staff.

A particularly worrying aspect is the attacks on emergency doctors and paramedics. These incidents show that violence is not only manifested in practices but also in public spaces. According to Reinhardt, incidents in which staff are harassed or even physically attacked are increasing in emergency rooms. Studies and surveys support these observations and demonstrate the increase in attacks on health workers.

Legal measures to combat violence

The medical associations have been involved in this area for some time and offer a wide range of support, including advice, de-escalation courses and safety training. The Federal Government's willingness to introduce stricter legal regulations is confirmed by Dr. Reinhardt expressly welcomed. He sees these measures as an opportunity to deter potential perpetrators and at the same time to show appreciation for the people working in the healthcare system.

But legislative measures alone will not be enough to improve the situation. Reinhardt emphasizes that it is crucial that the investigative authorities and the judiciary fully exploit the existing legal framework. This requires not only adequate staffing, but also the necessary resources to consistently prosecute and punish attacks on medical personnel. It must be made clear that such attacks are not trivial offenses, but serious crimes.

Social responsibility and education

In addition to the legal aspects, the need for further government initiatives is also highlighted. It is important to socially outlaw violence against medical personnel. This requires comprehensive information campaigns aimed at various target groups, for example through the Federal Center for Health Education. Many doctors work under a lot of pressure and often see no opportunity to report insults or assaults because there is simply not enough time to do so in their hectic everyday lives. The introduction of online platforms for the easy reporting of such incidents is therefore a useful addition.

Overall, it remains to be noted that the calls for stricter legal protection for doctors and other health workers not only represent a reaction to the existing problems, but also call for a long-term commitment to improving working conditions in the health care system. Only through broad social awareness and targeted legislative measures can the encroaching tendencies be effectively countered in order to ensure the safety of those who ensure the health of citizens every day.

For more information, see the current reporting on www.presseportal.de.