Workplace Violence
Members of the Johns Hopkins community are urged to report all observed behaviors of concern and acts of violence to an appropriate campus authority in a timely manner.
If you witness or know about a threatening behavior that indicates someone
- Is at risk for becoming violent or
- Has violated workplace or on-campus violence policies,
It is very important that you let someone know immediately, such as your supervisor, manager, human resources, academic advisor or chair, or Security.
If you have concerns about your immediate safety or someone else’s, you should call Security or 911 immediately.
Johns Hopkins will not permit employment-based retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, brings a complaint of disruptive behavior or act of violence, or who speaks as a witness in the investigation of a complaint.
Learn about different types of workplace violence concerns and response options:
Johns Hopkins Continuum of Disruptive Behaviors at Work
Inappropriate Behaviors
Inappropriate behavior is often seen as the way a person “broadcasts” him or herself. When inappropriate behavior is not managed, one may push the limits and become disruptive. Some specific actions include: making rude, loud, and off-colored remarks, telling degrading jokes, and swearing in public.
Disrespectful Behavior
Disrespectful behavior is more hostile than inappropriate behavior and is usually aimed directly at another person. Some specific actions include: criticizing or dismissing achievements, degrading others, and shouting.
Mild Bullying
Johns Hopkins has defined workplace bullying as repeated mistreatment of a person that may result in harm to one’s health and that takes one or more of the following forms: verbal abuse; offensive conduct/behaviors that are threatening, intimidating, or humiliating; or interference that prevents work from getting done.
Mild bullying includes the behaviors defined above which are aimed directly at another person. Some specific actions are denying access to necessary information, creating isolation, and giving the silent treatment.
Moderate to Severe Bullying
Johns Hopkins has defined workplace bullying as repeated mistreatment of a person that may result in harm to one’s health and that takes one or more of the following forms: verbal abuse; offensive conduct/behaviors that are threatening, intimidating, or humiliating; or interference that prevents work from getting done.
Moderate to severe bullying includes the behaviors of mild bullying with increased frequency and personalization of mistreatment. Some specific actions are starting gossip campaigns about a person’s character, falsely accusing someone of errors, imposing impossible deadlines, and retaliating for perceived wrongs.
Stalking
Stalking involves individuals who harass, follow, or give unwanted attention and gifts. Specific actions include: a pattern of repeated unwanted, intrusive, and frightening communication by phone, email, text, or social media.
Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence
Domestic/intimate partner violence occurs when one partner uses physical violence, intimidation, threats, or emotional, sexual, or economic abuse to control the other partner. Because the controlling partner can easily locate the victim at work, domestic violence can create a workplace safety concern.
Stated Threats
Stated threats express an emotional, sexual, psychological, or economic message of future danger. Specific actions include: a direct threat – I’m going to kill you; an indirect threat – I’m going to make sure that you get what you deserve; or a conditional threat – If he fires me, I will kill him.
Physical Violence
Violence is any action that threatens the safety of employees, residents, students, or patients; impacts their physical or psychological well-being; or causes damage to the institutions’ property.
Serious Injury and Harm
Serious injury and harm can involve the use of weapons, necessary medical attention, and homicide.
Carlstrom, M., Meadowcroft, K. & Rammacca, J. (2013) Johns Hopkins University and Health System. All rights reserved.