Rising Violence Against Healthcare Workers in Bari, Italy – A Growing Concern

Healthcare professionals in the Bari region of Italy are facing an escalating wave of violence, prompting local health authorities to implement new safety measures and training programs. Recent data reveals a significant increase in reported incidents, raising concerns about the well-being of those on the front lines of patient care.

Increase in Aggression Cases

In 2025, the ASL Bari (Local Health Authority of Bari) recorded a total of 160 reported episodes of violence against healthcare workers within its facilities. This represents an increase from 130 cases the previous year. A disproportionate number of victims are women, accounting for over 60% of reported incidents.

Types of Violence and Impact

While the majority of incidents are verbal, physical attacks are on the rise, exceeding 20% of cases in 2025. These attacks resulted in a total of 204 days of required medical abandon for injured staff and documented psychological distress in 10% of cases.

ASL Bari’s Response: Training and Prevention

The ASL Bari has launched a comprehensive strategy to address the issue, focusing on training and organizational improvements. Key initiatives include:

• Training of nearly 200 “process nurses” to manage potentially volatile situations.
• Conflict management (de-escalation) courses for 350 emergency room and psychiatric service operators.
• Implementation of new security procedures and alarm systems.

These measures aim to proactively de-escalate tensions and prevent violent incidents from occurring.

Positive Results at “Di Venere” Emergency Room

Early indications suggest that the new strategies are yielding positive results. The “Di Venere” emergency room has reported a 50% decrease in violent incidents in 2025, dropping from 6 to 3 cases, largely attributed to the introduction of the process nurse role.

Regional Commitment and Ongoing Analysis

Luigi Fruscio, General Director of ASL Bari, emphasized that the safety of healthcare workers is an “absolute priority,” and that investment in structured work environments and transparent relationships with citizens is crucial. Vito Montanaro, from the Puglia Region Health Department, echoed this sentiment, stating that protecting healthcare workers is essential for safeguarding the public’s right to health.

The ASL Bari has similarly conducted 58 audits in 2025 to analyze the causes of violence and improve communication and supervision within its facilities, with the goal of creating safer and more welcoming healthcare environments.

National Awareness Day

The issue of violence against healthcare workers will be further highlighted at an event organized by the Single Guarantee Committee (CUG) of the ASL Bari on March 12, 2026, coinciding with the “National Day of education and prevention against violence against healthcare workers.” The event will feature testimonies from victims and insights from experts.