Leaders, managers and staff all play a role in preventing occupational violence and aggression (OVA) in Victorian hospital and health services. Appropriate responses following incidents of OVA are vitally important to:
- provide practical and emotional support to people who have experienced stressful or traumatic events
- reduce risk and prevent future incidents.
These resources provide practical information for managers and staff about:
- how people may react to OVA in the workplace
- strategies and services to promote recovery following an incident of OVA
- providing support to others
- helpful ways to take care of yourself.
When you use this resource and any tools provided within it, no information about you will be collected.
This resource was developed by the Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health.
Information for staff
Information for health service staff about common reactions to OVA, Psychological First Aid, speaking with others and self-care. Includes a tool to assess psychological distress.
Information for managers
A resource for managers working in Victorian health services who are responsible for the health and safety of staff - directors, managers, team leaders and supervisors.
Supporting staff after OVA - information for managers
Information and advice for health service managers and leaders on supporting staff and colleagues after OVA, including an online learning module, self-assessment tool, detailed guide, common reactions and self-care strategies.
Common reactions of people after OVA
A summary of common short and long-term psychological, emotional and physical reactions to OVA.
Self-assessment tool for psychological distress
A simple 10-question self-assessment tool online tool to measure psychological distress. Occupational violence and aggression involves incidents in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.
Getting help after OVA
Information about services and support you can access after an incident of OVA.
Ten tips for coping after an incident of occupational violence and aggression
Helpful tips for coping after an incident of OVA.
If you or someone else is in crisis or needs urgent help
- Call emergency services on 000
- Call (opens in a new window) on 13 11 14
- Go to your local hospital emergency (opens in a new window).
Find out more about how to get help.
Post-incident support resources
These resources provide practical information for managers and staff, including how people react to OVA in the workplace, providing support to others, helpful ways to look after yourself, and strategies and services to promote recovery.
OVA post-incident support - a guide for health service staff
OVA post-incident support - a guide for health service managers
OVA post-incident support - a guide for health service leaders
Updated