Workplace violence

Workplace violence is about those incidents where people are abused, threatened, or violated in circumstances related to their work and that include an implicit or explicit risk to the well-being and health of the victim.

Due to gender roles and job segregation, women are more exposed to violence in their workplaces. Women are overrepresented in jobs with a high risk of violence such as nursing, social work, commerce and teaching, where employees are in constant contact with the public.

UNI's equal opportunities department has been running the Break the circle campaign against gender violence since 2009. To access the campaign website and find resources, tools and news on the subject, click here.

The effects of violence on women’s health.

  • Violence against women can have fatal consequences, including homicide and suicide.
  • Sexual violence can cause unintended pregnancies, induced abortions, gynaecological problems and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
  • Violence during pregnancy increases the probability of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth, and low birth weight.
  • It can lead to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep difficulties, eating disorders, emotional distress and suicide attempts.
  • Health effects can also include headaches, back pain, abdominal pain, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, limited mobility and poor overall health.