Violence at work - identification, consequences and legal response 2600-MSdz2VWen
Violence at work encompasses any physical, verbal, or psychological aggression that threatens the safety and wellbeing of employees while they perform their duties. Such hostility may range from overt attacks—like assaults or threats with weapons—to subtler forms such as mobbing, intimidation, cyber harassment, or systemic conditions that foster abuse. These incidents leave lasting damage on individuals through injuries, stress related illness, reduced morale, and increased turnover, while organizations face legal liabilities, reputational harm, and costly operational disruptions. Legally, employers are obliged under labour provisions to provide a secure environment, making timely identification, reporting, and remedial action essential. Effective prevention relies on clear policies, regular training, confidential reporting channels, and swift, transparent investigations that protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. By integrating these measures into the corporate culture, companies can mitigate risk, safeguard their workforce, and promote a healthier, more productive workplace.
The class would examine how to identify, evaluate and prevent aggression—physical, verbal, cyber or psychological—that endangers employees, linking symptom recognition with legal obligations and mitigation strategies. It blends theory on risk factors, victim impact and policy development with practical tools such as incident reporting procedures, investigative techniques and support mechanisms for survivors. The course also analyses real world case studies to illustrate how organizational cultures can be reshaped to uphold safety and accountability in the workplace
The course contains:
Violence at work – definitions, typologies (physical, verbal, cyber), prevalence and global trends.
Risk Assessment & Prevention Strategies – identifying high risk occupations/environments, early warning indicators, safety culture assessments, employer obligations under occupational health legislation.
Psychological Impact on Victims and Witnesses – stress reactions, trauma, secondary victimisation, coping mechanisms, mental health interventions.
Legal Frameworks & Liability – key statutes (labor law, criminal code), liability of employers, reporting requirements, role of agencies and courts in prosecution and civil remedies.
Policy Development & Implementation – drafting anti violence policies, procedures for incident reporting, investigation protocols, confidentiality safeguards, preventive training modules.
Response Protocols & Support Systems – crisis management plans, protective measures (e.g., security personnel), victim assistance programs, mediation/disciplinary processes.
Case Studies & Emerging Trends – analysis of real world incidents (e.g., shootings, cyber harassment), transnational variations, and future challenges such as remote work dynamics and AI mediated aggression.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
In terms of knowledge
K_W01 Knows and understands the terminology on violence at work
K_W02 knows and understands at an advanced level the principles, procedures and practices concerning the activities of various types of organizations, its key functions (personnel management – labor law) and its relations with the environment, and in particular the importance of diversity in business or employee relations
K_W05 Knows and understands social and political processes and their impact on the functioning of the organization and the entire economy, especially in the field of employment, as well as basic phenomena that are a challenge
In terms of skills
K_U01 Can use theory to identify, diagnose and solve problems related to the violence at work
K_U02 Can correctly interpret social, political, legal, economic and ecological processes and phenomena and their impact on the functioning of the organization, using the appropriate selection of sources
K_U03 Can independently and in a team prepare analyses, diagnoses and reports on the functioning of the organization in the field of personnel management
K_U05 Can plan and organize their own work and teamwork.
K_U06 They have the ability to self-educate and improve their qualifications.
In terms of attitudes
K_K01 is ready to assess and critically approach the situation and phenomena related to the functioning of the organization and the entire economy
K_K02 Is ready to think and act in an entrepreneurial way, especially in the field of personnel management
K_K03 Is ready to comply with and develop professional ethical standards related to personnel management
K_K07 Is ready to take into account the principles of equal treatment, respect, and prevention of violence in the workplace.
Assessment criteria
participation in classes – 70 points, current grade – 70 points, test – 40 points, additional work – essay on a given topic 20 points
Passing threshold 100 points
Bibliography
1) Humbert, A. L., Tzanakou, C., Strid, S., & Lipinsky, A. (2025). Non-binary experiences of (gender-based) violence at work. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 36(7), 1249-1281.
2) Seppälä, P., Olin, N., Kalavainen, S., Heikkilä, H. C., Kivimäki, M., Remes, J., & Ervasti, J. (2023). Effectiveness of a workshop-based intervention to reduce bullying and violence at work: A 2-year quasi-experimental intervention study. Social Science & Medicine, 338, 116318.
3) Vieira, C. E. C. (2023). Violence at work: structural and intersectional dimensions. Revista brasileira de sáude ocupacional, 48, edcinq2.
4) Rosander, M., & Nielsen, M. B. (2023). Witnessing bullying at work: Inactivity and the risk of becoming the next target Psychology of Violence, 13(1), 34
5) Chirico, F., Sacco, A., & Magnavita, N. (2024). Workplace violence: risk assessment is the basis for prevention. G Ital Psicol Med Lav, 4(2), 92-98.
6) Cairns, K. (2022). Feeling environmental justice: Pedagogies of slow violence. Curriculum Inquiry, 51(5), 522-541.
7) Reeves, C., & O’Leary-Kelly, A. M. (2007). The effects and costs of intimate partner violence for work organizations. Journal of interpersonal violence, 22(3), 327-344.
8) Hassard, J., Teoh, K. R., & Cox, T. (2019). Estimating the economic burden posed by work-related violence to society: A systematic review of cost-of-illness studies. Safety science, 116, 208-221.
9) And more