Occupational violence

The term ‘occupational violence’ refers to any incident where a person is abused, threatened, or assaulted in a situation related to their work. 

No nurse, midwife or student should feel unsafe at work or on placement, yet up to 38% of health workers suffer physical violence at some point in their careers. Many more are threatened or exposed to verbal aggression (WHO, 2023). 

Many nurses and midwives experience aggression and violence, including threats, abuse, or physical harm, while caring for others. 

If it’s happened to you, you’re not alone – and it’s not okay. There are steps you can take to get support.

Understand unacceptable behaviours

Occupational violence can include:

• verbal abuse (shouting, threats, intimidation)
• physical assault (hitting, pushing, spitting, biting, pinching)
• sexual harassment or assault
• psychological harm (harassment, bullying, stalking)

It can come from patients, family members, visitors, or even colleagues.

Take action – what to do

Your safety comes first. Here’s what you can do:

• remove yourself from danger – call for help if needed
• seek out support (medical or psychological)
• report the incident to your manager or through your health service’s reporting system
• document what happened – write down details while they’re clear (what, when, who, witnesses)

Report your experiences; help make workplaces safer

While potentially life-threatening, occupational violence is still often downplayed as ‘part of the job’ and incidents of violence are greatly under-reported. 

Reporting your experiences helps to create safer workplaces. Every report advances workplace safety improvements and culture change. But we know this is easier said than done. So give us a call if you want to talk about it. 

Nurse Manager Sheryl told us she is still supporting one of her staff who was assaulted on site while coming in for a night shift. "She's still going through counselling. She's still afraid to go out. Just going out and buying groceries is an ordeal for her."

Effects – injury, trauma, distress

Occupational violence can leave you injured, traumatised, and distressed. It increases job stress and absenteeism. The most common impact is psychological and can include flashbacks and nightmares. It's not unusual to feel alone or isolated, to lose confidence, or to withdraw from others. 

Support – where to get it

Talking to someone who understands can make a difference.

• Peer support – our service offers free, confidential counselling by nurses and midwives who get it – 1800 001 060 contact us
• Employee assistance program (EAP) – your workplace may offer additional support
• Work cover or workers’ compensation – you may be eligible for assistance if injured at work – see injury and work cover for your local workers’ compensation authority
• Union or industrial support – as a union member you can ask for advice about your rights and workplace obligations.

Your rights

You have a right to:

• a safe and healthy workplace
• report incidents without fear of blame or punishment
• access support and leave entitlements if you’re harmed

Employers are required legally to take steps to prevent and respond to occupational violence.

Supporting a colleague

If a colleague has experienced violence at work:

• listen without judgement
• avoid saying “it’s part of the job”
• encourage them to seek support and report the incident.

References 

• Preventing violence against health workers, 2025, World Health Organization (WHO)