Assaults On Teachers
Introduction
Assaults against teachers do not happen very often. However, when they occur the impact on the individual teacher or teachers can be quite profound.
Circular 40/97 emphasises the necessity to create and
maintain a culture where acts of violence are not tolerated
and where incidents when they do occur are effectively
and speedily dealt with.
Creating such a climate requires the cooperation
of the whole community. However, where in a minority
of cases parents do not abide by the agreed procedures
the circular offers little practical assistance in how
to proceed.
Circular 40/97 focuses on:
- The board's duty to provide
a safe place of work for employees
- Measures to be taken to prevent or minimise the
risk of assaults to teachers or other staff employed
in schools
- Measures to be taken in support of staff who have been assaulted or threatened with assault; and ensuring that appropriate action is taken to safeguard against a recurrence.