How common is violence against NHS staff in England and what is being done to stop it?

There were 104,079 incidents of physical violence and aggression by patients in 2024-25, freedom of information requests showed. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PA

A Guardian investigation into violence and sexual harm by patients against NHS staff has revealed tens of thousands of alleged incidents reported over the past three years. Here is what we know from the findings.

What counts as violence against NHS workers?