Survey of Workplace Violence Healthcare Staff of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires

Abstract

This paper sought an analytical approach to the problem of workplace and gender-based violence against healthcare workers in the public healthcare system of the City of Buenos Aires. The study is situated within a field of growing relevance for public health and human rights protection policies, given the impact these forms of violence have on the psychophysical well-being of workers, the quality of care, and the institutional climate. In order to explore the magnitude and characteristics of the phenomenon, an anonymous, exploratory-descriptive survey was conducted with 128 professionals from various disciplines and healthcare settings. The findings reveal a high prevalence of workplace and gender based violence, predominantly psychological and symbolic in nature, which has been naturalized and validated by hierarchical structures. A critical gap exists between the regulatory framework and its effective application, evidenced by a lack of awareness regarding protocols and distrust in institutional responses. These dynamics sustain an adverse work environment that compromises both professional well-being and the quality of patient care. It is concluded that it is imperative to dismantle these practices through systemic training strategies, effective support for victims, and a fundamental transformation of organizational culture.