Every employee deserves to feel safe at work. But for too many people, that sense of security is disrupted by threats, harassment, or even physical violence. That’s why April is designated as Workplace Violence Awareness Month—a time to spotlight the issue, share resources, and empower both workers and employers to take action.
What Is Workplace Violence?
Workplace violence includes any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. It can affect—and be carried out by—employees, clients, customers, or visitors.
This broad definition includes:
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Verbal abuse or threats
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Bullying and harassment
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Stalking or intimidation
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Physical assaults
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Domestic violence that spills into the workplace
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Active shooter situations
No workplace is immune. Healthcare, education, retail, and public service sectors are especially vulnerable, but violence can happen in any setting.
Why Awareness Matters
Raising awareness is the first step toward prevention. Many employees don’t report concerning behaviors because they fear retaliation or believe nothing will be done. Employers may not know how to spot early warning signs or may lack clear policies for prevention and response.
Workplace Violence Awareness Month encourages organizations to:
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Educate their teams on what workplace violence looks like
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Provide clear reporting procedures
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Offer training on de-escalation and conflict resolution
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Foster a culture of open communication and respect
What Employers Can Do
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Create or Update a Workplace Violence Prevention Policy.
Outline what behaviors are unacceptable and the steps employees can take to report concerns. -
Provide Regular Training.
Help staff recognize warning signs and know how to safely respond to aggressive or violent behavior. -
Encourage a Speak-Up Culture.
Ensure employees feel safe and supported when reporting threats or violence. -
Support Affected Employees.
Offer counseling, time off, or referrals to external resources after a violent incident. -
Evaluate Security Measures.
Review physical security, visitor protocols, and emergency response plans.
What Employees Can Do
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Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
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Report threats or concerning behavior early
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Support colleagues who may be experiencing harassment or violence
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Know your employer’s policies and procedures
Final Thoughts
Workplace violence isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a human issue. It affects morale, productivity, and the mental health of everyone in the workplace. Let’s use April Workplace Violence Awareness Month as a call to action to create safer, more respectful, and more responsive work environments.
