ABSTRACT
The first step in developing a personal safety strategy is for the organization to produce working definitions to clarify just what it is that is being addressed. Violence and aggression are often spoken of as if it is perfectly clear what they are, and indeed the two terms are often used interchangeably. Dictionary definitions focus on the words and what they mean in an objective, academic sense. They tell us something of what is generally understood by the terms 'violence' and 'aggression'. There have been attempts to produce 'working' definitions, and these generally seek to describe the behavioural characteristics associated with aggression and violence and their effects. Developing a working definition of aggression and violence for the organization is an important foundation of understanding upon which to build commitment, policy, procedures and working practices. It is important to avoid any tendency to stigmatize those who have been on the receiving end of violence and aggression.
