Access to our Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne offices is currently restricted. To visit us at these locations, call 1300 366 979 to arrange an appointment.

Violence and aggression

For: Employers and managers Information seekers

Violence and aggression can include any incident where a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances arising out of, or in the course of their work.


The violence can be either directed at the person or as a result of witnessing violence against someone else.

Examples of violence may include:

  • biting, spitting, scratching, hitting, kicking
  • punching, pushing, shoving, tripping, grabbing
  • throwing objects
  • verbal threats
  • aggravated assault
  • any form of indecent physical contact
  • threatening someone with a weapon or armed robbery.

For more information on the risks and remedies, see Work-related violence by Safe Work Australia

Violence and aggression has been identified as a hazard in the Model Code of Practice: Managing psychosocial hazards at work.

This guidance will help you meet your obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011.

Training on psychological health and safety

Training on mentally healthy workplaces

We provide training through our learning management system called Comcare LMS.

To access our training, you first need to create an account in Comcare LMS (see the steps to create an account). Then, select the training item that you are interested in and login with your email and password.

For more information about the training we offer, see Training and learning.

Page last reviewed: 18 August 2022

Comcare
GPO Box 9905, Canberra, ACT 2601
1300 366 979 | www.comcare.gov.au

Date printed 24 Apr 2024

https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/psychosocial-hazards/violence-aggression