No one should fear being punched, choked, or shot for doing their job—especially not the people who care for us in our most vulnerable moments.

Across Maine, nurses and healthcare workers are facing a silent epidemic of violence. They’re being threatened, assaulted, and traumatized on the job at staggering rates. National data shows that healthcare workers suffer nearly half of all workplace assaults in the U.S., even though they make up only 10% of the workforce. It’s unacceptable—and entirely preventable.

Nurses like Deb Capistrano, who was threatened by a patient on her shift, are sounding the alarm. Others have been strangled with stethoscopes, punched in the face, or verbally assaulted while caring for people in pain or crisis. And yet, far too many hospitals still lack basic protections—like unit-specific violence prevention plans or safe staffing levels that would let nurses respond quickly and safely in emergencies.

Maine has the chance to change that.

We’re calling on the Maine General Assembly to pass comprehensive legislation to protect nurses and healthcare workers. That means requiring hospitals to adopt real violence prevention plans—with input from frontline staff. It means establishing safe nurse-to-patient ratios so no one is left alone in a dangerous situation. And yes, it means stronger accountability when someone assaults the people who are there to save lives.

This is not just a healthcare issue—it’s a public safety issue. It’s a human dignity issue. No one should have to clock in wondering if they’ll make it home unharmed.

Lawmakers in California, Oregon, and Maine have already acted. Maine must follow their lead.

Stand with Maine nurses. Sign this petition and demand immediate legislative action to make our hospitals safer for everyone—patients, staff, and families alike.