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Nurses and midwives' union calls out 'gendered violence' after survey

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nurses and midwives in Queensland are experiencing significant occupational violence, including physical assaults.
  • A survey by the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union reveals widespread incidents of kicking, punching, and biting.
  • The union is calling for action to address this 'gendered violence' impacting healthcare workers.

Nurses and midwives in Queensland face alarming levels of occupational violence, with a recent survey by the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union highlighting the severity of the problem. The report details incidents where healthcare professionals, like Annalise, have been physically assaulted, including being kicked, punched, and even bitten on the face while on duty.

The union describes the violence as 'gendered,' indicating that female healthcare workers are disproportionately targeted. This trend points to a systemic issue within healthcare settings that requires urgent attention. The findings underscore the dangerous working conditions many nurses and midwives endure.

These experiences not only take a physical toll but also contribute to a stressful and unsafe work environment. The union's call for action aims to implement better protective measures and address the root causes of this violence, ensuring the safety and well-being of frontline healthcare providers.

Annalise has been kicked, punched and even bitten on the face while working as a nurse.

โ€” Annalise (nurse)Her experience is reflected in the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union's latest report into occupational violence in healthcare settings.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.