Bullying in the workplace is interpersonal aggression and is a major social problem which can lead to more violent acts such as assault and homicide. Bullying also is a form of emotional or psychological harassment that can cause long term mental health problems for the targeted employee.

1. Bullying and Workplace Violence Janet Parker, D.V.M. Medical Whistleblower P.O. Box C Lawrence , KS 66044 MedicalWhistleblower@gmail.com

2. Bureau of Justice Statistics 2001 1.7 million workers are injured each year during workplace assaults Violent workplace incidents account for 18% of all violent crime in the United States Each year 807 workplace homicides

3. 5 million U.S. hospital workers Hospital workers - High Risk 2,637 nonfatal assaults on hospital workers occurred in 1999-a rate of 8.3 assaults per 10,000 workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

4. Effects of Violence Range in intensity and include the following: Minor physical injuries Serious physical injuries Temporary and permanent physical disability Psychological trauma Death

5. Risk Factors Volatile people - the influence of drugs or alcohol History of violence or certain psychotic diagnoses Working when understaffed-especially during meal times and visiting hours

6. Hospital Risk Factors Long waits for service Overcrowded, uncomfortable waiting rooms Working alone Inadequate security Lack of staff training and policies for preventing and managing crises with potentially volatile patients Drug and alcohol abuse Access to firearms Unrestricted movement of the public Poorly lit corridors, rooms, parking lots, and other areas

7. Watch for signals Verbally expressed anger and frustration Body language such as threatening gestures Signs of drug or alcohol use Presence of a weapon Evaluate each situation for potential violence when you enter a room or begin to relate to a patient or visitor.

8. Help Diffuse Anger Present a calm, caring attitude. Don't match the threats. Don't give orders. Acknowledge the person's feelings (for example, "I know you are frustrated"). Avoid any behavior that may be interpreted as aggressive (for example, moving rapidly, getting too close, touching, or speaking loudly).

9. Typology of violence I: Criminal intent85% of all homicides II: Customer/client 3% of all homicides III: Worker-on-worker - Worker-on-worker fatalities account for approximately 7% of all workplace homicides. IV: Personal relationship - 5% of all workplace homicides

10. Barriers to Prevention Denial, Lack of Teamwork Lack of incentives or disincentives Lack of Worker Empowerment Lack of Awareness & Policy Lack of Information/Lack of Reporting Lack of Communication/Training Lack of Resources

11. How can people be so cruel? Across the land, away from the spotlight, a different kind of suffering goes on unnoticed - in homes, workplaces, schools, and universities. I am talking about intentional cruelty against other human beings, such as physical and emotional abuse, bullying, oppression and exploitation...

12. Workplace Bullying Bullying is: Persistent , unwelcome Intrusive behavior of one or more individuals whose actions prevent others from fulfilling their duties Hierarchical and can be traced to the top or near the top Denial is the most common strategy employed by toxic managements

13. Purpose of Bullying To hide the inadequacy of the bully Has nothing to do with "management" or the achievement of tasks Projection of Bully’s inadequacies onto others to distract and divert attention away from himself/herself

14. Tip of Iceberg Misappropriation of budgets Harassment Discrimination Breaches of rules, regulations, professional codes of conduct and health and safety practices

15. Common Denominator The common denominator of harassment, discrimination, stalking and abuse A harasser or discriminator focuses on race or gender or disability Bullies focus on competence and popularity

16. Emotionally Immature Seethe with Resentment and Anger Jealousy and Envy Pick on employees who are good at their job and popular with people Crave attention and become resentful when others get more attention for their competence and achievements

17. Profile of a Bully Compulsive lying Dr. Jekyll and Hyde nature High verbal facility Charming Capacity to deceive Arrested level of emotional development Compulsive need to control

18. Typical Outcomes for Target Target is at least average, probably above average in job performance and yet…… Forced resignation Unfair dismissal Early or ill- health retirement whilst the bully is promoted

19. Tim Field’s Study in UK 12-50% of the workforce experience bullying 20% of cases from the education sector 12% are from healthcare 10% are from social services 6% from the voluntary / charity / not-for-profit sector.

20. Direct Costs US $7-17 billion – even $44 billion However 20% of employers still do not regard stress as a health and safety issue, instead preferring to see it as malingering.

21. Indirect Costs Higher-than average staff turnover Increased Absenteeism Increased costs of staff cover Increased administration costs Loss of production and reduced productivity

22. Spreads like Cancer Subtle in nature, bullying Difficult to recognize Excessive workloads Lack of support Climate of fear High levels of insecurity

23. Psychological Trauma Bullying is a form of psychological and emotional rape because of its intrusive and violational nature Prolonged Bullying can cause Complex Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

24. For Additional Information The Workplace Bullying Institute, WBIFounded by Dr. Ruth Namie and Dr. Gary Namie Bully on Line – Tim Fields website

25. Contact us Dr. Janet Parker, D.V.M. Medical Whistleblower P.O. Box C Lawrence , KS 66044 MedicalWhistleblower@gmail.com