GED Working Paper No. 5 /2016

Addressing Occupational Violence: An overview of conceptual and policy considerations viewed through a gender lens

This report reviews the international literature and a selection of regulatory instruments with respect to occupational violence - work-related violence involving incidents in which a person is physically, psychologically or sexually assaulted, threatened, harassed, bullied or mobbed in circumstances relating to their work. This definition covers a broad range of actions and behaviours that can create a risk to the health and safety of employees. This report provides an overview of policy strategies addressing the prevention of occupational violence. It also examines the various, (sometimes competing) conceptual frameworks underpinning policy responses to violence, and describes different models of regulatory and policy interventions. It also examines compensation for disability attributable to occupational violence, and other remedies and sanctions. The report identifies the gender dimensions of occupational violence and the need for gender-responsive policy in this area.