First time experiencing Work place violence, two separate instances this week. I work for a large well known company. Is there anyone who has experience in this or with this? I do not know what to do. The leaders have really dropped the ball. They have no plan implemented for this and are now trying to intimidate me for speaking up.

I'm really sorry this is happening 😔

If someone was physically violent with you, you can report it to the police. Especially if you've reported it through the right channels at work and they didn't do anything.

I was threatened at work by someone working they notice period. I was in shock and didn't immediately report it. But others who witnessed it did. The person who threatened me was dismissed immediately (in less than 24h).

That's what should happen. Violence should not be tolerated.

So if your company didn't act on it, report it to the police. If others were attacked as well, ask them if they want to report it with you.

If the violence was not physical, then unfortunately, your options are limited to what your company does after you report it.

In the end, your safety is more important, and I'd recommend you start looking for another job if your company is not protecting you.

Good luck!

I am a bit confused was someone physically violent with you and did you witness physical violence or was it verbal. You say you were not physically assaulted hence my confusion. I would like to advise but still unclear of the situation.

It sounds like you witnessed a physical altercation at your workplace. If there was physical violence at your office anyone who was there was potentially in danger and you have very right to feel shaken up and scared. I would speak with your manager/HR about how you feel, and consider getting a therapist to talk with as well. If your company is not responding in a meaningful way, you might want to consider if it is a place where you should continue to work - maybe this is a sign to look for another job.

What happened?

First time experiencing Work place violence

I am new to a company, just back in the office full time after career change and Covid (y’all understand) working for two large well known company’s. I consider myself a good worker with high expectations of leadership to assist in my growth process. This week I experienced my first work place violence incident. I was in shock afterwards and unsure of what to do. It sent me into a fight or flight mode and I am having residual symptoms of fear and panic , sleep loss and sadness and anger, a flood of emotions about the situation. Management did not have procedures in place to assist the workers in crisis afterwards. I was dizzy, disoriented, and flat out scared for my personal safety. It was/is truly awful. Following day, in a meeting, learning new policy going into effect on Monday, two more individuals had another violent exchange but this time I was in the room sitting right next to them already fearful, still panicked and confused from the day prior. I do not know what to do, as people who have never experienced this wouldn’t. I feel as our leaders have dropped the ball majorly.I am also questioning their leadership of the team and how or why they did not identify this prior and implement some sort of strategy, for de escalation. That is what we do most of the day is de escalation. I also witnessed the most abhorrent behavior afterwards, some leadership laughing with workers, some speaking about with their opinions on who did what to who right in front to other staff, not what I expected from leadership and employees there, or human beings for that matter. I am asking for assistance from people who may have been affected by this situation in their career and what they did, what my protections are. They (leaders) are already retaliating against me speaking out because I did not know who to speak to, or what to do. They have sent a grievance over to HR, for a minor incident of having my phone afterwards because I was terrified and didn’t understand what was happening. They are doing things that they know will screw me up in order to pile up paperwork or evidence on me, says my intuition. I feel like I sound crazy for thinking that is what is actually happening but it is. I really need trusted guidance on this. It’s like a form of gaslighting. Please advise if you are knowledgeable. I understand the gravity of this issue plaguing society at times and am aware that leadership is under pressure from different areas. Attitude reflects leadership. I am empathetic towards all envolved, including the individuals whom allowed themselves to make the decisions they did that created and perpetuated it. They are walking around as if nothing happened. I just do not understand. I may have not been physically assaulted but the emotional trauma and response of it is very damaging.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I am going to try to see what my options are in terms of finding the right channels. I am recovering from the panic attacks, and finally feeling some clarity. I am hoping to have a response by Monday on what I can do

Well I can clarify. The first altercation was a fist fight, witnessed. Second altercation the next day was in a small in closed room with 11 people including myself in the room right next to them. Escalated verbal abuse, to physical restraint.

Were either of those instances directed at you in anyway? Why are you fearing for your safety? Do these employees seem irrational or erratic? Has there been hostility in the office? Or hostility directed at you? Do other employees seem to be frazzled by the incident? Had this happened at all in the past or has conflict between coworkers happened prior to these incidents? Were both incidents with the same coworkers? How is the climate in the office?

Not directly at me. I am fearful because it is the unknown, and yes I am fearful for my safety at this point. It was not just one incident, it was two, with me in the room. The leaders did not address the individuals whom were effected by the violent situations. I did not get explanation on the process and security that should be implemented afterwards to insure our safety. Yes some seem irrational and erratic. Some seem so pressured and disrespected and invisible they’re acting out. It’s hard to explain especially with some of the agents there. I felt this immediately after training and out on the floor. Yes there has been hostility witnessed. Repeatedly. between agents and leadership and agents to agents. Others are frazzled but many seem unaffected. I am frazzled to the core. Psychologically and manifesting physically. I could not drive home to leave afterwards. I believe it has happened in the past yes but not to this degree. First incident was with the same individuals whom has issues prior from what I have heard. Second incident was with three other individuals, and a leader in a small room with 11 people. The climate is central air pumped in and can get pretty cold.

Agreed. I feel uncomfortable and violated. Demoralizing. They have begun the process of slowly building their case with me since I spoke out, my mind is blown by this. I do not know my recourse or protections, obviously they do not care about their employees. I am contemplating speaking with HR or whomever I can before they tarnish my reputation and resume.

I also kind of feel like they’re the ones that need the therapist bring one in.