Violence against healthcare professionals is becoming an increasingly urgent issue in Slovenia. Nurses, doctors, and support staff are frequently exposed to verbal and physical assaults, often triggered by long waiting times, staff shortages, and communication breakdowns. In some cases, threats even involve weapons, putting workers’ safety, dignity, and mental health at serious risk.
In response, Slovenia is taking a proactive role in the BRAVE-WOW project. The national consortium is composed of the University Medical Centre Maribor (UKC Maribor), the Ministry of Health, the Nursing and Midwifery Association of Slovenia (ZZBNS), and the Medical Chamber of Slovenia.
On 27 May 2025, Slovenian partners met to define strategies and responsibilities for the next stages of the project. In addition to their broader involvement in BRAVE-WOW, they are preparing to launch the national pilot testing of the Gender-Based Violence at Work Questionnaire (GBVW_Q), design tailored training modules for healthcare staff, and plan the next transnational project meeting to be hosted in Slovenia.
The BRAVE-WOW project marks a significant step forward in promoting safer, more respectful, and inclusive working conditions within the Slovenian healthcare system, and across Europe.
