Nearly six in ten Dutch care workers face aggression from patients and families

Aggression toward care and welfare workers in the Netherlands remains widespread, despite government campaigns and institutional measures, the CBS reported. In 2024, 57 percent of care sector employees said they had faced aggression from patients or their family and friends, little changed from 2020. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, about 60 percent reported similar experiences.

Verbal aggression was the most common, affecting 48 percent of workers. Bullying was reported by 25 percent, physical aggression by 21 percent, discrimination by 16 percent, sexual intimidation by 14 percent, and threats or intimidation by 10 percent.

Social workers and group or residential counselors were the hardest hit, with 79 percent reporting aggression across almost all forms. Caregivers most often faced sexual harassment and physical aggression, while specialists such as psychologists and social workers mainly reported threats and discrimination. Cleaners and kitchen staff experienced the least aggression, at 30 percent, while pedagogical staff, often in childcare, reported 36 percent, primarily verbal abuse and bullying.

Workload also affected exposure. Employees reporting high work pressure experienced aggression at a rate of 68 percent, compared with 54 percent of those with manageable workloads. Those who said they lacked enough time for patients faced aggression at 75 percent, versus 57 percent of colleagues who had sufficient time.

Men and women experienced aggression at similar overall rates, but men were more often threatened or stalked, while women were more likely to face sexual intimidation, including whistling, sexual comments, unwanted touching, or assault.

Younger employees reported aggression more frequently than older colleagues. About one-third of care workers also reported bullying or harassment from colleagues or supervisors.

Despite these challenges, care workers experiencing aggression remain nearly as committed to their work as colleagues who do not. However, 19 percent report feeling burned out, compared with 12 percent of unaffected workers, and 16 percent say they are frustrated, versus 9 percent.