According to a survey of the Federal Council of Medicine, only in 2024, 4,562 police reports were registered – on average 12 professionals are assaulted per day in the country
In recent years, Brazil has faced an alarming increase in cases of violence against in health facilities. According to data fromlast year recorded a worrying record of 4,562 occurrence bulletins involving doctors who suffered bodily injury, defamation, injury or theft. This translates into an average of 12 doctors victims of violence a day across the country. Since 2013, approximately 40,000 police reports have been recorded by health professionals, highlighting the severity and persistence of this problem.
A more detailed analysis of the data reveals that while men are still most victims, the number of assaulted doctors has approached the number of doctors assaulted in some states. In 2022, states such as Acre, Alagoas, Bahia, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio de Janeiro, Roraima and Tocantins recorded a number of aggressions to doctors almost equal to that of doctors, representing 44% of the federation. In addition, aggressions occur more often within states than in capitals or large urban centers, which suggests an urgent need for more effective security policies in these areas.
Given this alarming scenario, the Federal Council of Medicine has mobilized to support projects in the that aim to harden the penalties for doctors’ aggressors. The entity highlights the importance of protecting professionals who are available to society to take care of the health of the population. Violence against doctors not only compromises the safety of professionals, but also affects the quality of care provided to the population. The CFM reinforces the need for more rigorous measures to curb these aggressions and ensure a safe work environment for doctors.
*With information from Danúbia Braga
*Report produced with the aid of AI
