For many healthcare workers, the risk of physical harm is often viewed as an unspoken part of the job description. But a new report suggests that this “acceptance” of violence is masking a steep and dangerous incline in assaults against medical staff, leaving clinicians to navigate a traumatic recovery process that is often as damaging as the attacks themselves.
The report, titled “Reluctant victims: healthcare workers and workplace violence” and published in the NZ Medical Journal, paints a sobering picture of the current climate within the New Zealand health system. Authored by registered nurse Wendy Strawbridge, victims advocate Ruth Money and psychiatrist Lillian Ng, the study highlights a significant rise in physical violence over the last three decades, noting that while non-physical aggression remains more frequent, the severity and frequency of physical assaults are climbing.
As a physician, I have seen how the “normalization” of workplace stress can blind organizations to systemic danger. When violence is treated as an inevitable byproduct of treating distressed patients, the focus shifts from prevention to endurance. This culture of silence not only endangers current staff but accelerates burnout and attrition in a workforce already stretched to its limit.
The Data: A Sharp Rise in Regional Assaults
Recent data from Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) underscores the scale of the problem. Between 2022 and 2025, the number of assaults on public sector staff—including those working outside of traditional hospital settings—has surged. In several regions, the figures have more than doubled.
The increase is most pronounced in the Northern region, though the report notes a reporting nuance: the emergency department in that area allows multiple staff members to log a single incident, which likely inflates the total number. However, the trend remains consistent across the country, reflecting a broader systemic instability.
| Region | Assaults (2022) | Assaults (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Central | 342 | 925 |
| Northern | 668 | 2,928 |
| Midland | 335 | 1,019 |
| South Island | 1,483 | 2,712 |
The report identifies specific “high-risk” zones where violence is most prevalent: emergency departments, mental health units, drug and alcohol clinics, ambulances, and services operating in remote locations. The drivers are rarely random; they are often the result of a failing system. Long wait times, delays in care, chronic understaffing, and insufficient security create a pressure cooker environment where patient frustration quickly escalates into emotional and physical aggression.
The Human Cost: From Trauma to Systemic Failure
The statistical rise in violence is best understood through the lived experiences of the clinicians. The report details two case studies that illustrate the spectrum of assault and the subsequent failure of institutional support.
One registered nurse, working in community respite care, described an attack that was “catastrophic.” Held captive for 30 minutes, the nurse suffered facial fractures, stab wounds to the neck and back, and burns covering 30 percent of their body. While the nurse survived through fitness and restraint training, the aftermath revealed a secondary trauma: the bureaucracy of recovery.
To access necessary psychological support, the nurse accepted a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, this diagnosis ironically became a barrier, limiting their income protection, travel insurance, and future work options. The nurse reported feeling “invisible” and “disempowered,” noting that a rehabilitation case manager admitted to not reading their clinical notes due to workload pressures. The trauma eventually led to the breakdown of a 25-year marriage and the loss of their home and career.
In contrast, a psychiatrist’s experience highlights the “reluctant victim” phenomenon. While assessing a patient in a women’s prison, the psychiatrist was punched in the head. Despite the presence of corrections officers and other staff, the psychiatrist initially minimized the event, stating they did not wish to “waste anyone’s time” because the injury wasn’t severe. This tendency to downplay violence is a recurring theme in the report, suggesting that many assaults go unreported because clinicians view them as “part of the job.”
Addressing the ‘Acceptance’ Culture
Ruth Money, the chief victims adviser to the government and one of the report’s authors, warns that violence is likely under-reported across the health sector. “There’s almost this acceptance for healthcare workers to put up with a level of violence that might not be accepted in other places,” Money said. She emphasizes that while victims must be encouraged to disclose attacks, the system must be equipped to handle those disclosures without penalizing the worker.
The report argues that the current burden of recovery is placed almost entirely on the victim, who must be proactive in following up on their own care and safety. To bridge these gaps, the authors propose three primary systemic shifts:
- Unified Data Collection: Implementing a nationwide approach to analyze and report workplace violence to identify patterns and share preventative strategies.
- Psychosocial Research: Commissioning formal studies on how workplace violence impacts productivity, retention, and clinician burnout.
- Legislative Strength: Updating health and safety laws to clarify the legal responsibilities of organizations in managing risks and monitoring violence.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. If you are a healthcare worker experiencing burnout or trauma, please consult a licensed mental health professional.
For those affected by workplace violence or struggling with mental health, support is available through the National Depression Helpline or Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) provided by regional health authorities.
The focus now shifts to how Te Whatu Ora and the government will integrate these recommendations into upcoming health and safety policy reviews. The next critical step will be the potential implementation of a unified reporting system, which would move the sector away from fragmented regional data toward a transparent, national standard of safety.
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