Though mainstream North American society is still oppressive and based on institutions built on privileging some over others, it is possible to create a workplace free of violence, oppression and discrimination. The United Steelworkers have created a guide to assessing, preventing and dealing with violence. Though specifically designed for a unionized workplace, it’s a great place to start when figuring out what your employer can do to prevent violence at work.
Violence happens in many forms. The guide covers how to prevent violence against women, visible minorities, children, elders, people with disabilities and people with same sex partners. Finally, the guide ends off by suggesting action you can take – not just at work, but in your community. Violence can only end if we all work together and put it all on the table.