The Government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has launched a campaign calling for patients and visitors to be kind and respectful to healthcare practitioners.

The campaign highlights the high rate of occupational violence nurses and midwives are subject to, which can have far-reaching effects upon their happiness, mental health, wellbeing, relationships and ability to care for patients.

Physical abusive behaviours experienced by practitioners include:

• Hitting, kicking or pushing 
• Choking
• Biting, spitting or scratching
• Throwing things

Non-physical abusive behaviours include:

• Aggressive body language or gestures such as eye-rolling
• Shouting or yelling
• Standing in the way of a staff member doing their job or in their personal space
• Banging fists on a desk
• Name-calling or swearing

Campaign resources are available for organisations to download and use on the website.

Health Act.gov.au: Be kind and respectful to our nurses and midwives