NCJ Number
188461
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 29 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 2001 Pages: 145-155
Date Published
March 2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Data from the 1992-96 National Crime Victimization Survey formed the basis of comparisons between the extent and nature of workplace violence against females and males, a discussion of how different types of jobs may influence the occurrence of workplace violence across gender, an analysis of wages and work time lost, and a comparison regarding general patterns of violence against females.
Abstract
Mass media, business, security, and government publications routinely highlight incidents of workplace violence. However, little research has examined these incidents for gender similarities and differences. The present research focused on rape/sexual assault, robbery, simple assault, and aggravated assault. It also considered seven types of work: medical, mental health, law enforcement, a teaching institution, retail trade, transportation, and others. Results revealed that gender differences were more characteristic of workplace violence. Specific types of jobs placed females more at risk of experiencing a violent incident than males in the same types of jobs in that females employed at teaching institutions and in law enforcement and retail experienced more robberies than did males. In addition, females in the law enforcement and transportation professions experienced more simple assaults than did males. Moreover, females lost more time from work than did males in those incidents where an injury occurred. Findings were congruent with prior violence research and the routine-activities workplace research, which suggest that the lack of guardianship and higher face-to-face exposure to the public relate to higher risks of violent victimization. Findings also suggested the need for further research to aid the understanding of gender similarities and differences in workplace violence. Figure, tables, notes, and 23 references (Author abstract modified)