Definitions

For the purposes of this primer, we use the definitions of violence set out in Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

Section 1(1) of OHSA provides the following definitions, which are central to understanding and addressing violence in schools:

• Workplace violence: the exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker, an attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker, a statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.
• Workplace harassment: engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace, including virtually through the use of information and communications technology, that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, or (b) workplace sexual harassment (Safer Schools Now—OSSTF/FEESO Policy Paper on Building Safer School Communities).
• Workplace sexual harassment: engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace, including virtually through the use of information and communications technology, because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, where the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome, or making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to the worker and the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the solicitation or advance is unwelcome.

While the OHSA definitions are useful, expanded definitions are also important. These would ensure the recognition and inclusion—as forms of workplace violence—of physical harm that does not require medical attention, as well as psychological, emotional, mental, spiritual and other forms of violence.

Aggression and violence are closely linked. Often, behaviour that begins as aggression may escalate into acts of violence.

In a school context, aggression can be defined as any behaviour that violates school expectations, policies or norms and that is intended to cause harm (impulsive or planned), discomfort, or distress to another person (peer, adult), disruption of safety, the learning environment or emotional well-being. This behaviour may manifest as:

• verbal—insults, name calling, threatening language, yelling
• physical—hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, throwing or destroying objects
• relational—damaging relationships, excluding, manipulation, rumours, defiance, non-compliance

In addition to the above definitions, an awareness of bullying as a unique form of violence that is often prevalent in schools is critical. For a fulsome examination of bullying prevention and intervention, please see OTF’s Professional Learning Module addressing bullying prevention and associated Resources on the Safe@School website.