Forms of Violence Among Co-workers
There are many forms of workplace violence among co-workers. Unfortunately, the one form that receives the most attention is workplace homicide. But there are far more incidents of violence that do not involve casualties but have the same traumatic effects.
- concealing or using a weapon;
- physical assault upon oneself or another person;
- actions which damage, destroy, or sabotage property;
- intimidating or frightening others
- harassing, stalking, or showing undue focus on another person;
- physically aggressive acts, such as shaking fists at another person, kicking, pounding on desks, punching a wall, angrily jumping up and down, screaming at others;
- verbal abuse including offensive, profane and vulgar language; and
- threats (direct or indirect), whether made in person or through letters, phone calls, or electronic mail.
Other Forms of Workplace Violence
It is important to recognize that violent incidents in the workplace may include acts of domestic violence. Often, co-workers and supervisors believe that domestic violence is something that is not their concern, but a private family matter that should not be brought to work. But the problem does spill over into the workplace. Domestic violence accounted for 27% of violent events in the workplace. If the victim has sought shelter or a restraining order, the workplace is frequently the place s/he can be found. It is not uncommon for the perpetrator to show up at the work site to carry out acts of violence against the partner or anyone trying to protect that person.
Because of the nature of the services provided, there are also incidents of workplace violence perpetrated by clients/customers, particularly in enforcement and investigative settings. Finally, bomb threats make up an increasing percentage of workplace violence incidents. Many threats are made against individuals. Others allege that bombs have been planted in Federal facilities. Most threats are made by telephone.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-2. Which of the following is a form of workplace violence that receives the most attention?
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