Occupational violence—whether physical assault, verbal abuse, intimidation, or threats—remains a confronting reality across many Australian industries. Health, aged care, disability support, retail, hospitality, transport and community services are among the sectors where workers are most at risk. Safe Work Australia (2023) identifies occupational violence as a psychosocial hazard, meaning it can harm both mental health and safety. Because of this, it must be managed with the same seriousness as physical risks such as slips, trips and falls.
Experiencing aggression at work takes a psychological and physical toll. Immediate reactions can include fear, anger or shock. For some workers, these moments of high stress trigger ongoing symptoms such as hypervigilance (constantly scanning for danger), intrusive memories or avoidance of certain tasks or environments. Over time, repeated exposure may contribute to anxiety disorders, depression or post-traumatic stress. It’s worth highlighting the fact that experiencing distress after exposure to violence is not a sign of weakness but a natural human response to threat.
Even when incidents are “only” verbal, they can wear down resilience, erode trust in management and leave staff questioning whether their wellbeing is valued. Job satisfaction often declines, with many choosing to leave their roles altogether which is an outcome that carries costs not only for the individual but also for the wider workplace and community.
Rights and Protections
Australian legislation makes it clear: no worker should face violence as a condition of employment. Employers have a legal duty of care to identify risks, implement prevention strategies and support recovery when incidents occur. This duty includes:
- Prevention measures such as environmental design (e.g., security screens, duress alarms, adequate staffing).
- Training to prepare workers to recognise warning signs, use de-escalation skills and know how to seek help quickly.
- Incident reporting systems that are clear, accessible and taken seriously.
- Post-incident support including debriefing, leave options and access to counselling.
Practical steps if you experience violence or aggression
- Prioritise immediate safety
- Use de-escalation Options
- Report every incident
- Document details.
- Seek medical and psychological support early.
- Ask for risk controls and reasonable adjustments. For leaders and teams
Coping Strategies for Workers
While systemic prevention is essential, individual strategies can help workers protect their mental health when faced with occupational violence:
- Debriefing: Talk through incidents with a trusted colleague, supervisor or peer support program. Sharing experiences can reduce isolation and help normalise reactions.
- Professional support: Access EAP Assist early, rather than waiting until stress builds. Evidence shows timely intervention reduces the risk of long-term impacts.
- Boundaries: Prioritise personal safety by stepping back from escalating situations where possible and assert limits around acceptable behaviour.
- Self-care routines: Sleep, nutrition, movement and connection outside work are protective factors that strengthen recovery.
