The psychological toll of workplace violence on healthcare staff – why training matters
- Breakaway & Restraint Specialists Ltd
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Around 60 to 90 percent of nurses report experiencing verbal or physical violence at some point in their careers. A recent systematic review found workplace violence is strongly linked to PTSD, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and fatigue.
In the NHS alone, over 15 percent of staff report being physically assaulted each year, and almost a third of employees needed mental health leave in the past year - reporting panic attacks, chest pains and high blood pressure.
Sustained stress of this kind dramatically increases staff turnover and deeply affects the quality of patient care.
At BR Specialists we’ve seen how hearing about aggression, even just witnessing it, adds up.
Research shows even indirect exposure raises the risk of PTSD, anxiety and burnout. When frontline teams in schools, care homes or hospitals lose confidence, staff cohesion drops too. That’s why our training isn’t just about staying safe - it’s about building resilience, emotional regulation, clear communication, and retaining a motivated workforce.
Recent training highlights
In recent months we delivered five days of intense conflict and breakaway training to staff working in specialist educational settings for children with autism and mental-health challenges. We rolled out train‑the‑trainer programmes in healthcare and residential care-home settings - and followed up with a refresher session for nurses in Scotland, ensuring they can share best practice locally and build sustainable safety cultures.
Nick Attard, General Manager at BR Specialists, sums it up:
“Healthcare workers don’t just face physical danger - they carry mental scars. If untreated, that trauma erodes their resilience, team trust and even leads them to leave. Our courses don’t just teach techniques - they give practical tools and emotional support so staff feel empowered to cope, thrive and stay in the job.”
Why trust the training
Beyond building confidence, our services help staff feel psychologically supported, improve team dynamics and reduce costly staff churn. After our training, organisations report stronger peer support, less absenteeism and clearer communication during crises.
For healthcare teams or residential services facing rising aggression, talk to us about PMVA, breakaway, conflict management or train‑the‑trainer programmes. Let’s give your staff the tools to stay physically safe and mentally strong.
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