Reports from RCN members who’ve been “punched, kicked, spat at, strangled, verbally and racially abused” have risen sharply since 2020, RCN London Director Lisa Elliott told the London Health Assembly Committee this week. She delivered the stark warning during the committee’s inquiry into violence and abuse against health care staff. She also highlighted that internationally educated nursing staff are facing disproportionately high levels of verbal, and particularly racial abuse.

The problem is now widespread, with incidents not only taking place in emergency departments but also on inpatient wards, in the community and in general practice settings, said Lisa. 

The confidence in reporting systems is also low, and Lisa said there is a “perception of a lack of action”, with staff feeling incidents go “into a black hole” and that no meaningful action will follow or feeling like they didn’t have sufficient support if they do report.  She outlined that there is a very worrying trend among experienced nurses, who are less likely to report incidents because many “just see it as part of their job”. 

Discussing the toll on the workforce, Lisa described the severe and sometimes life changing physical and psychological impact on staff who have been attacked. Zebina Ratani, a retired nurse and former Director of Nursing who joined her on the panel, raised particular concern for early career nurses and warned that repeated exposure to violence could push some out of the profession altogether.

Assembly members also questioned the panel on the rollout and impact of the Right Person, Right Care initiative, and whether it has contributed to the rising trend. Lisa said implementation had felt “rushed” and that, based on feedback from RCN members and senior nurse leaders across London, the policy had simply shifted risk and responsibility from one part of the system to another. She called for a full review of the initiative, with particular focus on its impact on health services.

When asked what urgent action is needed, Lisa said national improvements in data collection are essential to fully understand the scale of the problem. She also called for strengthened reporting systems to rebuild trust among staff, alongside investment to tackle the root causes of violence and aggression including unsafe staffing levels and the growing prevalence of corridor care.

The London Assembly Health Committee launched the inquiry following a private briefing session with RCN members in October 2025. You can watch the full evidence session here.

Have you experienced violence and aggression? Check out what support the RCN provides:

• Read our violence in the workplace advice guide: https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Help/RCN-advice/violence-in-the-workplace 
• If you need help, contact RCN Direct for advice: https://www.rcn.org.uk/contact
• Counselling is available via RCN Member Support Services: https://www.rcn.org.uk/Get-Help/Member-support-services