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In recent years, violence against professionals has become a significant issue in Germany. A variety of forms, including verbal outbursts, threatening gestures, intimidation, and physical assaults, are being encountered by professionals across various sectors.

Martin Eichhorn, a de-escalation trainer from Berlin, highlights that many professionals face opposition and sometimes violence due to enforcing rules or being approachable. He stresses the importance of preparation as a key strategy for handling such situations effectively.

Eichhorn cautions against the misconception of self-defense being equivalent to combat sports techniques. Instead, he advocates for simple but effective means like simulated vomiting, loud reactions, or feigning illness to disorient the aggressor.

Being aware of one's professional role and emotionally distancing oneself from it can help manage stress and negative experiences, according to Eichhorn. He also notes that some professionals can handle a career with constant conflict potential, while others may choose to leave.

The BGW, a German organisation, advises that every company should have a workplace prevention concept tailored to the specific situation, with protecting employees being the responsibility of the employer. They have observed more reported work accidents due to violence, but it is unclear whether this is due to more incidents or more people reporting violence.

Since 2018, violence against teachers in Germany has significantly increased across all school types, with a notable rise between 2018 and 2020. In the rescue and fire services, around 2,740 violent incidents were recorded nationally in 2023, with the highest in North Rhine-Westphalia (691 cases). These incidents are often linked to the stressful and extreme situations these workers face, sometimes exacerbated by alcohol, drugs, or mental illness of involved persons.

Eichhorn notes that employers have become more aware of the costs of conflicts and have implemented safety concepts, training, information materials, and greater openness about the topic. Inge Dembowski and Nicole Stab of the BGW have also observed this trend.

Violence and harassment at work should not be trivialized or accepted. Eichhorn suggests that a brief sentence can act as a stop signal in verbal attacks, such as "So, so" or "Oh really". He warns that insults are not trivial matters and can lead to psychological burdens, including post-traumatic stress disorders.

Conditions in emergency rooms can promote aggressive and violent behavior, according to BGW experts. This is due to long waiting times, staff shortages, and a lack of contact persons.

In a 2018 study by the Professional Association for Health and Welfare Services (BGW), it was found that nearly 80% of those surveyed in care and support professions had experienced violence in the previous 12 months.

Eichhorn's advice for professionals facing violence is to prepare, stay aware of their role, and maintain a distance emotionally. He also emphasizes the importance of reporting incidents and not trivializing or accepting violence.