Definitions of Workplace Violence

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): " … any physical assault, threatening behavior, or verbal abuse occurring in the work setting" (NIOSH, 1996).

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN): " … incidents where staff are abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, including commuting to and from work, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, well-being or health" (ILO, ICN, WHO, & PSI, 2002).