Help make our workplaces free from aggression or violence
Workplace violence is never okay. It’s not part of the job. Learn to spot it, read how it affects workers and how to report it.
We’re committed to making our workplaces safe for everyone.
Our workers have the right to be safe at work.
Everyone using our public services has a right to be safe.
What is workplace violence
It’s workplace violence if it happens at a person's work or relates to their work.
It can be:
- verbal, written, physical, sexual
- in-person, over the phone or online.
It can grow:
- from frustration, anger and intimidating body language
- to verbal abuse, threats or assault.
Work-related or occupational violence are other names for workplace violence.
- Yelling or swearing that makes a worker feel threatened
- Offensive, damaging or threatening statements to, or about, a worker
- Threats outside the workplace to the worker, their family or property because of their work
Written violence, aggression and abuse can happen in text message, emails, social media or mail.
It can include naming a worker and writing about them in threatening or harmful ways.
- Hitting, punching, kicking, grabbing, kneeing, slapping, head butting
- Biting, pinching, pulling, tripping, scratching, pushing, shoving, grabbing clothing
- Spitting or coughing at a person
- Pouring things onto a worker
- Threatening with an object or weapon, throwing things
- Standing over someone
- Unwelcome touching
- Suggestive comments or jokes
- Asking intrusive questions about a person’s private life or body
- Sending explicit photos or content
- Asking for sex
- Any sexual act or touch a person does not agree to
When you’re using public services
Our workers make our public services safe and welcoming places for people to use or visit.
They do jobs that make our lives better and keep our city running.
If you’re aggressive or violent towards them, they cannot do the jobs we need them to.
Be kind to our workers when you’re:
- talking to Access Canberra
- catching public transport
- writing to your child’s school
- visiting a library
- getting healthcare at a Walk-in Centre or hospital
Ask for help if you need it.
Read our stories
Our workers are Canberrans, just like you. Violence and aggression affect them too.
Some of our workers are more likely to experience threats, physical assault and verbal abuse while on the job.
Here are some their stories.
Stay safe and report it
If a worker or anyone at your workplace is in danger now, call 000.
Workplace violence can happen to anyone.
If you experience workplace violence in your job, speak up. Report all incidents – big or small.
Talk to your workplace contact officer, manager, human resources team or WHS representative.
Remember: it’s also workplace violence if you’re injured:
- breaking up a dispute
- avoiding or escaping
- guiding people from a threatening environment.
If you have concerns about how your employer manages the risk of workplace violence and aggression, contact WorkSafe ACT.
Call ACT Policing on 131 444.
For workplaces
Visit Worksafe ACT to learn more about managing the risks of workplace violence.
Contact a support service
If you or someone you know need support for violence, depression or anxiety, there are services that can help.