Workplace violence – Is anybody really safe?

Abstract

The Australian Human Rights Commission recently released the research commissioned by 39 Australian universities into sexual harassment and sexual assault on students (1). In summary, the research found that: over 30,000 students participated in the study from 39 universities; 21% of students were sexually harassed and 1.6% of students sexually assaulted. Of concern was the 94% of students who were sexually harassed and the 87% of students who were sexually assaulted that did not formally report the incident. From this information, one must question whether this follows a similar societal trend or some other factors are in play (1). The organisation that represents Australian universities – Universities Australia, which commissioned the study – has now launched a campaign to highlight the issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault and to ensure there are appropriate support measures for victims in place at each university (2). Violence against paramedics in the workplace by patients, friends, relatives and bystanders (3-5), has been communicated loudly within the media. However, what about the issue of workplace violence from within the ambulance service?