What is aggression and violence?

Aggression and violence in the workplace can take many forms. Aggression and violence occur when an employee is physically or verbally harassed, threatened, or attacked. This can be caused by colleagues, but also by third parties (such as a customer or client). Aggression and violence can cause significant harm, both to the victim and to others involved.

A distinction is made between verbal, psychological, and physical aggression. Verbal aggression includes unwanted language, intimidation, and verbal abuse. Psychological aggression refers to forms of mental abuse, such as stalking, humiliation, blackmail, or threats. Finally, physical aggression involves physical assault. This can occur in different forms, such as kicking, damaging property, or spitting.

Research by FNV shows that nearly two million people in the Netherlands experience aggression or violence in the workplace every year. The consequences can be severe. In addition to considerable stress for the victim, aggression and/or violence can lead to long-term and sometimes permanent incapacity for work.