Recognising and identifying aggression and/or violence

Because aggression and violence are usually directed at an individual person, the problem can be difficult to recognise. In many cases, the violence also takes place outside regular working hours. This means it happens at the workplace, but when many colleagues have already left. As a result, it can be difficult for employers or colleagues to notice aggression.

Aggression and violence between colleagues can occur as a one-time incident, but it can also be a recurring problem. Both situations are unacceptable and sometimes even punishable by law. Physical aggression is easier for bystanders to recognise than psychological or verbal aggression.

Victims often show warning signals that may indicate they have been subjected to aggression and/or violence. These can be seemingly harmless behaviours that show a person is stressed, such as tics, absence, or nervousness. The victim may also try to avoid social contact with certain colleagues. Physical abuse may sometimes be recognised through visible scars, scratches, or bruises.

If you notice that colleagues have a conflict without any attempt at reconciliation afterwards, there may be aggression or violence involved. Aggression and violence in the workplace are often connected to bullying. Read more about bullying here.