Special report. Violence in hospitals: What are the causes? Why is it increasing? How is it being confronted?

In previous articles and reports, we have reported on violence in emergency rooms and other hospital areas, and what steps some security directors have taken to prevent and deal with it. In this report, we'll review two recent developments: Increased demands by nurses and their organizations in this country and Canada that hospitals take action to discourage workplace violence. Increased reports of gang violence spilling over into the hospital environment, and the threat this poses to the safety of hospital workers.