Details on what happens after a case is reported to the police are reproduced at Annex 2 . Health authorities should ensure that appropriate and effective support is offered to GPs or their staff who have been the victims of violence. Health Authorities should have plans to achieve this, which will include advice on the reporting of incidents to the police and the prosecution process i.e a realistic evaluation of the evidence. This might also, in appropriate circumstances, extend to advice on the issue of injunctions to enable GPs to protect themselves, their staff and premises. Liaison should be made with the LMC which may have established local support and counselling services for GPs.
Injunctions are discretionary remedies only available to the victim.
The application must be made by the person who was the subject of the violent incident, or threatened violence. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 outlines the concept of Crime and Disorder Audits. There is a responsibility on the police to consult with Health Authorities under section 5 of the Act. Health Authorities should include the views of general practitioners and LMCs in their contribution to these audits. When considering new mechanisms for countering violence it is helpful to know the extent of the problem.