If you are a victim of violence at work, you need to report the incident at school. Violence at work is defined as “Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.” (Health and Safety Executive).

You should complete the “Reportable Violence to Staff” form and get it signed by the Headteacher who will send it to Education Bradford. EB will record the incident, write to you and offer preliminary advice and support.

You need to complete this form after

• any physical assault, or verbal abuse or threat, which is malicious or directed specifically towards an individual;
• any incident resulting in medical treatment, or absence from work beyond the day of the incident;
• any incident resulting in a stress related absence of any duration directly attributable to the incident.

If you are the victim of violence which does not fit into the above descriptions, you still need to report it. It may be recorded on a different form and reported along with other similar incidents, on a termly basis, to EB. Examples of this might be an injury caused by an accidental collision in a corridor, or verbal abuse which you feel was not directly aimed at you.

It is essential that all acts of violence against school staff are recorded. If they are not, it is difficult for the union to work towards reducing them. The relevant forms should be in an easily accessible place in school, such as the staff room.