Support Our Staff--a unique program to help deal with patient assault

The program "Support Our Staff" was developed to provide assaulted staff with the most current information and coping strategies.

Participants reported being helped by the program and felt better prepared to cope with future assaults. However, victims felt blamed for the disruption caused by the assault and resented the lack of support from management.

Management needs to take responsibility for their role in violence within the institution, allowing staff to escape the isolation and guilt. Reporting must be encouraged and staff asked to contribute to the development of efficient programs, thus leading to a sense of empowerment.