• Reporting
• Workplace Violence Prevention
• Resolving Conflict
• Signs of Distress
• Relationship Violence
• UW Resources
• Community Resources

Workplace Violence Prevention

Supervisors demonstrate leadership by establishing an environment in which people feel comfortable talking openly about the threat or actual occurrences of violence in the workplace.

UW Policies and Procedures

• Review UW Policies and Procedure and communicate the expectation that any incident that could be perceived as workplace violence must be reported and responded to in accordance with University’s policies.
• Be familiar with the Supervisor & Faculty Workplace Violence Checklist

Build a Supportive Environment

• Reinforce the message that employees will not be penalized or face retaliation for seeking help — for themselves, their families or co-workers in need.
• Help employees recognize violence warning signs of violence and let them know where to get help by:
  • Prominently displaying SafeCampus posters and making printed materials available;
  • Linking the SafeCampus web site to your intranet;
  • Inviting UW Police, UW Human Resources, UW CareLink or other community resources to present at team meetings.
• Be sensitive to cultural beliefs and values – People from different cultures have widely different comfort levels for talking to those outside their community about family or personal difficulties. Respect an employee’s reluctance to talk about personal matters, but do not ignore evidence of possible violence, like frequent injuries and unusual explanations for them. Call 685-SAFE (685-7233) to discuss your concerns and seek guidance.

Discuss Violence Prevention

• Develop and implement a workplace safety plan that details how to respond to violence in the workplace. Review the plan with your staff at least yearly. Request that the UWPD conduct a safety assessment and help you develop a safety plan. For Harborview and UW Medical centers, contact your Medical Centers security department.
• Make time for group discussion whenever violence on campus or in a workplace makes headlines.
• Talk about how to handle potentially violent situations.  Encourage your staff to suggest ways to make the workplace safer or less vulnerable to potential threats (e.g., office arrangement, emergency phones, etc.).

Discuss UW training opportunities.

• Encourage staff members who have exposure to potentially angry or hostile audiences or customers, to attend training classes offered by Professional & Organizational Development on conflict, assertiveness and dealing with difficult people. See .