Violence against nurses in hospitals has become an epidemic. A federal report found 21 percent of nurses report verbal abuse, physical assault, and even rape. Most of the time it’s patients who attack.

In the wake of two separate hostage incidents at suburban hospitals this summer, WGN Investigates has found hospitals are not regularly tracking violence against its nurses or sharing it with the public. Moreover, while nurses say they are frequently attacked, sometimes even sexually assaulted, they don’t feel there are sufficient safety mechanisms in place to protect them at work. Many say staffing is a contributor to violence.