Dr. Andreas Schimke, who was attacked, expressed shock at the incident and emphasized the urgent need for recognition of violence against healthcare workers as a serious societal issue.

Schimke advocates for stricter laws to protect healthcare workers, suggesting that they should be included in legal protections against violence under paragraph 115 of the German Penal Code.

Susanne Johna, chair of the Marburger Bund, highlighted that increasing aggression contributes to physician burnout and demands immediate protective measures.

Between 2019 and 2022, violent crimes in medical facilities rose by 20%, prompting calls for better protection for doctors.

The normalization of aggression in healthcare settings is alarming, with many doctors considering leaving the profession due to safety concerns.

The article notes that violent incidents are not isolated; there have been multiple reports of threats against doctors, including a recent knife threat at a university hospital in Düsseldorf.

Most aggression stems from patients or their families, particularly in emergency departments, yet many hospitals lack adequate protection measures.

A recent violent assault on a general practitioner in Spenge, Germany, underscores a troubling rise in aggression against healthcare professionals, with surveys revealing that 80% of doctors faced insults or threats in 2023.

The attack involved a 54-year-old general practitioner who suffered severe facial injuries and required hospitalization after being brutally assaulted by a patient.

Doctors are increasingly calling for greater protection and support from the government, feeling inadequately represented by the legal system.

The German Medical Association is demanding a comprehensive set of measures to address violence against healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for better resources for law enforcement and a broader legal framework.

The rise in violence against healthcare professionals is part of a broader societal decline in civility, with doctors reporting aggression occurring not only in consultations but also in reception areas.