This report outlines the rising incidence of violence against staff and health facilities, and presents accounts from nursing staff working in many war zones. It is grounded in the fundamental principle that health care workers must be protected, not persecuted. It does not align with any side in any conflict. It stands for the right of nurses and other health professionals to deliver care in safety, wherever they are.

Some of our publications are also available in hard copy, but this may entail a small charge. For more information and to order a hard copy please call 0345 772 6100 and select option five. The line is open Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) between 10am-4pm.

You can download all electronic publications from the RCN free of charge.

Published by the Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0RN.

© 2016 Royal College of Nursing. This publication in hard copy format may not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, without the prior consent of the publishers.

For permission to reproduce RCN copyrighted text, please complete our copyright request form.