8 Out of 10 Doctors Experienced Verbal or Physical Abuse in the Past Year: Calls to Abolish Non-Punishable Upon Victim’s Objection Rule and Strengthen Response Guidelines

Over Half of Doctors Feel Unsafe in Emergency Rooms,
Calling for Stronger Legal Measures
Medical Community Expresses Deep Concern Over Ongoing Violence

An emergency forum on measures to prevent retaliatory violence against legal and medical personnel held at the National Assembly on the 1st.
[Photo by Korea Medical Association]

[Asia Economy, reporter Lee Gwanju] Following a series of violent incidents in emergency rooms last month, a recent survey found that 8 out of 10 doctors experienced verbal abuse or physical assault from patients or their guardians within the past year. The medical community is calling for stronger countermeasures.

According to the Korean Medical Association (KMA) on July 2, a rapid survey conducted by the KMA’s official newspaper from June 28 to 30 on "Preventing Violence in Emergency Rooms" revealed that 78.1% of doctors working at medical institutions reported experiencing verbal abuse or physical assault from patients or their guardians within the past year.

Regarding the frequency of such incidents, 47.3% reported experiencing violence or abuse once or twice a year, and 31.1% reported once or twice a month. Notably, 11.2% said they experienced it once or twice a week, and 1.7% said once or twice a day, indicating that violence against medical professionals occurs very frequently. However, when asked about their response to such threats, 44.9% said they "endure it," and 62.6% responded that there are "no guidelines or manuals" for dealing with such situations, highlighting the lack of effective countermeasures.

Doctors expressed broad support for deploying police officers in emergency rooms, revising relevant laws to allow those officers to respond more proactively to verbal and physical abuse, strengthening response protocols, and easing prosecution requirements. Additionally, 87.1% expressed negative views on the "non-punishable upon victim’s objection" rule, which prevents prosecution if the victim does not wish to press charges.

Kim Iyeon, spokesperson for the KMA, pointed out, "When asked whether they feel safe in the emergency room, a combined 56.2% answered 'anxious' or 'very anxious.' It is devastating that acts of harm are taking place in spaces meant to save lives, causing our members to feel such anxiety."

Furthermore, on the previous day, the KMA and the Korean Bar Association co-hosted an emergency forum on measures to prevent retaliatory violence against legal and medical personnel, discussing ways to ensure a safe environment for professionals to focus on their work.

Lee Pilsoo, president of the KMA, stated, "Medical and legal professionals, who are supposed to provide medical and legal services with expertise, are placed in extremely dangerous situations without sufficient legal and institutional protection." He continued, "While medical staff are exposed to various threats, not only emergency care but also essential medical services are being put at risk, and this could ultimately lead to the collapse of the healthcare system, threatening the lives and health of the public. I hope that constructive solutions will be developed, such as abolishing the non-punishable upon victim’s objection rule for retaliatory violence and applying the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, to benefit both medical and legal professionals."