(Canada) Teachers' Federation studies increasing "violence towards teachers"

Nov 15, 2018, Occupational Safety: Lack of student support services contributing to violence towards teachers https://www.cos-mag.com/psychological-health-safety/38595-lack-of-student-support-services-contributing-to-violence-towards-teachers/ According to a national study conducted by the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF), the growing number of violent — and under-reported — incidents towards teachers is often linked to a lack of critical resources and supports for students in schools. “A child’s feelings of abandonment in which his/her educational, social and emotional needs are not being met may lead to violent outbursts… And that violence against teachers is taking a toll on educators’ mental and physical well-being as well as their self-worth as professionals,” said CTF president Mark Ramsankar. The federation’s first-ever Canada-wide research review on violence in schools points to some of the drivers behind the increased rates of violence: widespread underfunding for public education; lack of resources and support services for addressing violence against teachers (including in-service supports and training); and serious inadequacies in services and supports for student mental health, behavioural and special education needs. Rates of violence experienced by teachers are very high, ranging from 41 per cent to 90 per cent of surveyed teachers in jurisdictions across Canada. More than 70 per cent of teachers also report that both the rate and severity of violence in schools are increasing. Teachers who are female, work in elementary schools, in lower socioeconomic areas or in large metropolitan locations are more likely to experience violence, as are special education teachers. Verbal and emotional violence is the most frequently reported type of violence experienced by educators, followed by physical violence. … While a large majority of teachers experience or witness some form of violence in their schools, …