Violence in the Workplace

LCC Violence Policy

Lower Columbia College employees are encouraged to review the LCC Workplace Violence Policy.

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Prevent Hostile Situations

Identifying the causes of violence can be difficult, if not impossible. However, some understanding of the theories of violent behavior may help in your observations of others about whom you may have concerns.

Bearing that in mind, remember that just because a factor has been linked to violence doesn't mean it always results in violent behavior (refer to the complete LCC Workplace Violence Policy for a list of factors).

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How to Deal with Difficult Interactions on Campus

• Always treat people with respect, regardless of their behavior.
• Stay as calm as you can. It can keep tensions from escalating and may help defuse the situation.
• Show empathy and concern. Try saying, "I can see your frustration, and I'm frustrated too. Unfortunately, the rules are..."
• Don't insist that you are right or contradict another person's statement. Instead, let the person know you see the situation differently. Tell them, "I can see we don't view this situation the same way," and then try to bring in another person who can help.

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Maintain Your Safety and the Safety of Others

• If others are verbally abusive, tell them you will be able to help them better if they calm down, lower their voice and stop the negative communication with you. Set limits. You do not have to tolerate abuse.
• Trust your intuition. If you think someone may be potentially violent, and you are able, create distance between yourself and the other person. Do not allow them to block you in your office. Buy time by saying something like, "Let me see if I can find someone who can help."
• If you are meeting with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable, consider having a second person with you. It's also okay to keep your door open if you do not feel comfortable closing it.
• Know your own strengths and limits, and be able to identify the situations that are especially hard for you to handle. Share strengths and limits with coworkers so you can help and support one another.

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When in doubt, if you believe that any of the above behaviors could escalate to violence or threat, call 911, then call Campus Security at 2911 from a campus phone or (360) 442-2911 from any other phone.