On the basis of the Labour Conditions Act of 18 March 1999, employers are obliged to take care of their employees’ safety and health, and to pursue a policy aimed at creating the best possible labour conditions. The prevention of aggression towards employees falls under this obligation. Within the Judicial Penitentiary Service (DJI), aggression and violence among employees seem to occur twice as often as in other sectors. More than a quarter of the employees in penitentiaries contends with intimidation by a colleague and/or executive staff member; approximately 10% of the employees is confronted with unwanted sexual attentions, and a small group of mainly male employees falls victim to physical violence. In this research, the model of Schaufeli and Peeters was used as a theoretical framework. A number of studies shows a correlation between violence at work, job stress, posttraumatic stress disorders, and absenteeism.

Target group

Academics