Campaign to tackle violence against frontline workers launches across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Violence Reduction Alliance (VRA) has launched a new campaign to tackle violence against frontline workers across the City and County.

Developed in partnership with Staffordshire Police, the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board and West Midlands Ambulance Service, the campaign raises awareness of the person behind the role and the importance of keeping them safe.

Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the VRA, Ben Adams said: “Frontline workers are often subject to physical violence and abuse, when their primary aim is to help others.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing increases in violence towards frontline workers here in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent which in turn can affect the service being delivered.

“Abuse and violence can have long lasting effects on individuals which is why we must keep frontline workers safe to allow them to protect us and our loved ones.

“I hope this campaign really resonates with individuals and makes them think twice before mistreating frontline workers.”

A recent national analysis conducted by Leading Britain’s Conversations shows: 

• Around 43,000 police officers were punched, kicked and attacked with weapons in 2023/24
• At least 625 public sector workers were assaulted per day in 2024, this equates to around one every two minutes.
• NHS England’s staff survey showed that over 217,000 incidents of physical abuse against staff members took place in 2024 alone
• Department for Education data shows that secondary school pupils attacked teachers and support staff over 134,000 times in the last three full academic years
• Prison officers were assaulted over 10,500 times in 2024

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Talbot, from Staffordshire Police, said: “Sadly, the reality is that police officers and staff are assaulted every day whilst simply doing their job and trying to keep communities safe.

“In the last 12 months, we have had 826 assaults recorded but, fortunately, most assaults are minor. However, every year officers and staff experience serious harm that can sometimes have long-lasting physical and mental effects. This is often a difficult subject for those effected to discuss, their role does not allow them many opportunities to share their vulnerabilities, instead every day they must bravely go forward to protect those at risk of harm, investigate crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

“We wholeheartedly support this campaign and call on every member of the public to show Police officers and staff the respect they deserve when going about their day.”

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Head of Response, Jim Bywater said: “Our role in the community is to help keep people safe and it is unacceptable that anyone should be assaulted whilst doing so. This is a really important campaign and we must do all we can to stop assaults on emergency workers. We will not tolerate any forms of abuse, whether verbal or physical, and we report on all cases.”

Chief Executive Officer for the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, Peter Axon said: “Much like staff in our partner organisations, we know that, sadly, many NHS staff face abuse on a regular basis from patients and their families. It is often those on the front line, like reception staff and nurses, who are doing their jobs and trying to help people, who bear the brunt of this abuse. However, we do know that many staff in other roles also face similar abuse while going about their day-to-day jobs. This abuse occurs in GP practices, dental practices, pharmacies, hospitals and even for remote staff who have roles such as call handlers.

“It is no secret that NHS staff report leaving their roles in the healthcare service due to regular abuse, and this is at a time when retaining staff is critical to keep our NHS functional. NHS staff are often seeing and treating people at their most vulnerable times, and emotions can be raised. However, this does not excuse abusive behaviours, and I wholeheartedly hope this message reaches people and makes a positive difference.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Marsh said: “Our staff go to work to help people, often in their most vulnerable moments, but sadly, every day they step into situations where they face not just medical emergencies, but also the risk of violence and abuse.

“No one should face this for simply doing their job. This campaign is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a human being who deserves respect, support and safety. We stand #TogetherAgainstAbuse to protect our staff and the communities we serve.”

For more information visit: #TogetherAgainstAbuse – Violence Reduction Alliance