Violence in society is not underpinned by any one identifiable factor. Drugs, alcohol, crime and personal frustrations all playa major role as does the increase in the numbers of mentally ill people ! at liberty in our community. Violence can occur anytime, anywhere and is often the only way some people have of expressing their fear, anger or despair. One in ten people will suffer violence sometime in their life and amazingly one in three know' of someone close to them who has suffered a violent attack Home Office statistics show that only 10 % of all reported crimes include violence and that a 25% increase is expected. The fear of violence is often greater then actual violence,
In today's competitive business world, the marketing image leads people to believe services are delivered to' the highest standard. When some people are kept waiting they become frustrated and angry with staff who often work long hours, are under resourced and inadequately trained.
Consequently staff fail to diffuse the situation and are often subjected to abuse because they symbolise the organisation.
Ironically the reporting of violent attacks ir the press has a negative effect on the marketing image. Despite management " responsibility under "duty of care" of the,. Health and Safety Act, reporting procedure are usually suppressed. Victims who fine themselves unsupported often tend to accept responsibility for the incident and 0f course the aggressor is blameless and free to re-offend. The system becomes sel perpetuating and violence thus increases.