ABSTRACT
The high-profile reporting of incidents of violence and the increased awareness of employers and employees of the risks at work have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand we all need to be aware of risks inherent in our life and work if we are to develop safe practices, but such knowledge and awareness can engender fear of violence that is out of all proportion to the risk. In assessing the risks we face we need to consider evidence from a range of sources, as well as look critically at our own working environment and practices, if we are to have a balanced view.
