What We Overlooked About Violence in Healthcare

Introduction

When we think about feeling unsafe in a hospital setting, we often imagine dramatic scenes in ERs or a heated argument breaking out in the hallway. However, violence in healthcare is a problem that runs much deeper. 

Interpersonal violence, including domestic abuse, bullying, and targeted attacks, starts outside the hospital, follows victims into their workplaces, and ripples through entire organizations.  Oftentimes, when people are in a hospital – whether they are a patient or caretaker – they are at their most vulnerable.   

Nearly half of the most extreme violence against healthcare workers occur outside of the facilities, in parking lots, garages, and outdoor spaces. Many are predatory and targeted.  

Domestic Violence: The Workplace’s Silent Intruder 

Domestic abuse is a factor too often overlooked. The tragic story of hospital worker Leticia Green in Michigan, who was tragically killed in her workplace, is a stark reminder that violence follows victims to work, impacting not just the individual, but coworkers, patients, and the broader healthcare community. Shame and fear can keep many victims silent. 

Spotting the Signs and Responding with Empathy 

Healthcare leaders and staff must be equipped to recognize the subtle warning signs of domestic abuse: frequent calls or texts from a partner, sudden changes in attendance or work habits, and visible distress. The “Four Bs” framework offers a simple, actionable way to respond: 

• Believe the person. 

• Don’t Blame the victim. 

• Be Present and listen. 

• Respect Boundaries—know when to escalate concerns according to workplace policies. 

Universal screening questions like “Do you feel safe at home?” should be asked with genuine empathy, not as a formality. 

Building a Culture of Safety and Support 

Shockingly, only about a third of organizations have formal policies addressing domestic violence in the workplace. The call to action is clear: develop comprehensive policies, train all staff in trauma-informed care, and make resources, like hotline numbers, visible and accessible. Technology can play a role, too, with tools like weapon detection and AI-based alerts to support security teams. 

Conclusion: Safety Starts with Empathy and Action 

By moving beyond awareness to proactive intervention, inside and outside the hospital, healthcare organizations can work to protect their teams and foster a culture of safety, support, and empowerment.