Violence towards caregivers of persons with developmental disabilities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ewa Menckel, | Ned Carter, | Eija Viitasara,

Affiliations: National Institute for Working Life, Stockholm, Sweden | Department of Medical Sciences/Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala, Sweden

Note: [] National Institute for Working Life, SE-112 79 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel.: + 46 8 730 95 31; Fax: + 46 8 730 19 67; E-mail: Ewa.Menckel@niwl.se

Abstract: {\it Objective:} Violent and disruptive acts committed by persons with developmental disabilities are a potential work environment problem for caregivers. This study developed and tested an instrument for describing and analyzing violence among persons with developmental disabilities. {\it Methods:} Personnel from four units of one facility recorded daily on a simple form all violent and disruptive acts occurring in a limited range of situations. {\it Results:} Acts of violence were associated with a small minority of individuals, but grossly underreported and unrecognized in formal reporting systems. None of the nearly 3000 incidents recorded during the six-week study required sick leave. Violent and disruptive acts occurred most often when an individual was requested to do something he or she did not want to do, when the individual was denied the opportunity to do something they did want to do and when waiting or under-stimulated. Personnel used the data in discussing countermeasures that could be integrated with the care and treatment of the individual. {\it Conclusion:} Hitting, kicking, pinching etc. of personnel are a work environment problem due to their high frequency and effects upon employee morale. The instrument and procedures can be used to reduce incidents of violence, which would improve the working environment of employees and assist persons with developmental disabilities as they move from institutional environments.

Journal: Work, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 3-8, 2000