©2007 Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley

©2007 Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley


Workplace Violence:Identification, Prevention

& Support

Martha CoakleyMassachusetts Attorney General

October 1, 2007


What is Workplace Violence?

• Violence by strangers

• Violence by customers or clients

• Violence by co-workers

• Violence by personal relations


Facts About Workplace Violence

• It is rarely random• Domestic violence is involved in many

cases• Fewer than 50% of non-fatal violence in the

workplace is reported to police• There is a broad spectrum of abusive and

violent behaviors that are seen in the workplace

• Some workplace violence CAN be prevented


Who are the Perpetrators?

• 89.2% are male

• 58.4% are white

• 47% are over age 30


Statistics on Workplace Violence

• 1.5 million simple assaults• 396,000 aggravated assaults• 51,000 rapes• 84,000 robberies• 1,000 homicides

(average per year from 1992-1996)

Source: U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics, Special Report, Workplace Violence, July 1998, NCJ 168634


Warning Signs:General Indicators of Violence Potential

• History of violence• Poor impulse control• Unsuccessful

personal history• History of perceived

injustice• Obsession• Substance abuse

• Fascination or proficiency with weapons

• Personality Disorders

• Mental Illness

• Preoccupation with violence

• Recent life and family stressors


Pathways to Violence

• Stage 1: Perceived injustice• Stage 2: Feeling victimized• Stage 3: Initiating a resolution• Stage 4: Taking vengeance

Source: Violence Goes to Work, Nicoletti-Flater Associates


Domestic Violence in Your Workplace

• In a survey of 248 corporate security and safety directors, 94% of them rated domestic violence as a high security problem.

• Domestic violence is the fastest growing motive for workplace violence.


Domestic Violence Does NOT Stay at Home

• A perpetrator will target his victim at her job because that job represents both a perceived and a real loss of control over her.

• An independent source of income can be the single largest determining factor in a victim’s ability to leave her abuser.


Recognizing Domestic Violence in Your Workplace

• Increased or unexplained absences or tardiness

• Changes in behavior and work performance

• Preoccupation or lack of concentration

• Harassing phone calls or emails to the workplace

• Bruises or injuries that are unexplained or with explanations that don’t add up.


Employees Who Are Victims

Of Stalking and Criminal Harassment:• When an individual is being stalked or criminally

harassed, it can often extend to the workplace.

Example: Sandra Berfield• Berfield was a waitress at a Malden restaurant. A

regular customer became obsessed with her and began stalking her.

• Despite a restraining order and a supportive workplace, her stalker, Steven Caruso, continued to terrorize, and eventually murdered Berfield with a mail bomb.


How Can You Increase Safety in the Workplace?

Recognize the abuse• Let the victim know you are concerned• Make a statement of support• Make a referral of support• Offer, don’t direct

Consider flexibility• Work hours• Placement of desk• Parking• Alternative worksite


Next Steps: Providing Resources

Through an EAP

(Employee Assistance Program)

Through connections in the community• Local court• DA’s office• Victims’ services programs

Educate your staff• Recognizing abuse• Available resources


Next Steps: Universal Threat Assessment

• Commitment from top management to develop and enforce the policy

• Training for supervisors• Strong statement of employer’s position

prohibiting workplace intimidation, threats, or violence

• Written communication about reporting procedures

• SECURE team


Resources

• OSHA http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

• Employers Against Domestic Violencehttp://www.mintz.com/about/community_service.cfm

• Jane Doe, Inc.

https://www.janedoe.org

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

http://www.mintz.com/about/community_service.cfm

https://www.janedoe.org/


Documents

©2007 Office of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley