Sexual assaults on North West Ambulance staff spikes

More than 175 sexual assaults on North West staff have been recorded as incidents have skyrocketed since 2020

North West Ambulance Service has seen a concerning rise in the number of staff and paramedics who have been sexually assaulted while on duty in the last five years.

New figures obtained by Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) through a Freedom of Information request reveal that between 2020 and 2024, more than 175 North West staff were subjected to various forms of sexual assault while at work, with incidents escalating year-on-year.

In 2024 alone, there were 156 incidents of sexual abuse towards staff – the highest figures recorded in the five-year period.

These included 49 instances of sexual misconduct and 107 incidents of sexual assault.

National Officer for GMB, the union for NHS workers, Rachel Harrison told SACA: “It’s an utter disgrace our ambulance workers suffer these attacks as they try to save lives.

“This is a national problem, and it is getting worse.”

Since 2020, there have been 12 allegations of sexual harassment where the victim was a North West Ambulance Service employee and 52 allegations of sexual misconduct.

There have also been 109 allegations of sexual assault and one of rape.

The revelations come amid growing national concerns over violence and abuse against healthcare workers, with calls for stronger protections and zero-tolerance policies across all NHS services.

More than 65,000 NHS staff reported sexual assaults and harassment from patients, their relatives, and other members of the public in 2024 in the health service’s annual survey.

For the second year running, the NHS staff survey for England asked workers if they had been the target of unwanted sexual behaviour, which includes inappropriate or offensive sexualized comments, touching, and assault.

Of the 743,397 NHS staff who responded, a total of 65,568 reported sexual assaults and harassment by the public and other staff last year.

Union officer Ms. Harrison added: “GMB members were instrumental in changing the law to make attacks on ambulance workers an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing.

“But it’s not enough – we need a zero-tolerance approach from the police, trusts, ministers, and the public.”

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice also obtained the latest data from NHS Resolution, the legal arm of the NHS, regarding the number of legal claims that have been lodged against UK Ambulance Trusts as a result of assaults (of all types) on staff.

Since 2019, there have been 74 legal claims and incidents of ambulance staff assaults reported to the NHS legal body. Of those, 36 related to orthopedic injuries, 13 pertained to facial injuries, and 9 were for head injuries.

A further 8 claims and incidents were logged relating to psychiatric damage and eight more for injuries to internal organs.

In the last five years, UK Ambulance Trusts have settled 15 such claims with compensation payouts amounting to £589,533.

A further £100,498 was paid for NHS legal costs as well as £267,518 for the claimant’s legal costs – giving a grand total of £957,549.

Figures from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) – which is a government-backed organization that can offer compensation to victims of sexual abuse – show that just 13,313 applications were received in the last year from alleged victims of sexual assault or abuse.

CICA Specialist at SACA, Ellie Lamey said: “The number of sexual assault/abuse victims who have applied for CIC is staggeringly low compared to the number of offences being reported.

“It is so important that victims know there is support available for them and not to be deterred or fearful of rejection.

“Victims should be aware that they can report historical periods of abuse/assaults to the police, regardless of the amount of time that has passed.

“Victims can avoid rejections by ensuring they fully cooperate with the police in bringing the assailant to justice as well as seeking appropriate medical attention regarding any physical or psychological injuries sustained from the assault they are a victim of.

“CICA data from 2020-2022 shows that 18 percent of applications are submitted outside of the two-year time limit, and of these, 61 percent went on to receive an award.

“With relevant evidence, we can provide exceptional circumstances that have contributed to the delay in a victim submitting an application.”

Sexual Abuse Compensation Advice (SACA) offers a specialist service for anyone looking for support and advice after being affected by rape or sexual assault.

They operate a 24-hour helpline and live chat service which you can access on their website.