'Violence against female healthcare workers +40% in 3 years'

(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 26 - Episodes of physical and psychological abuse against women working in healthcare in Italy have increased by 40% over the past three years, according to an analysis published on Monday by the Association of doctors of foreign origin in Italy (AMSI), carried out together with the Euro-Mediterranean Medical Union and the international movement United to Unite.
    The study stressed that, between August 1 and 20 this year, at least one doctor or nurse was subjected to abuse every day, 80% of whom were women.
    This summer is a "nightmare" with an unprecedented number of aggressions recorded over the past decade, according to AMSI.
    Episodes of violence included kicks and punches and sexual abuse - an alarm "that doesn't only concern Italy but all of Europe and which is rising exponentially in developing countries", said Foad Aodi, president of AMSI, IMEM and United to Unite.
    In the majority of cases, perpetrators are patients or their relatives, according to the study. (ANSA).