# Workplace harassment and violence in the public sector: an integrative literature review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews studies on workplace harassment and violence in the public sector, finding high prevalence and significant mental health impacts.

## Contribution

The study provides a synthesized overview of recent evidence on harassment and violence in public sector workplaces.

## Key findings

- Verbal violence prevalence ranged from 19.4% to 63.5% among public sector workers.
- Public sector workers faced harassment and violence about three times more than private sector workers.
- Managerial support was identified as a protective factor against workplace violence.

## Abstract

Workplace violence is associated with workers’ mental health impairment. This
study aimed to characterize the scientific production on workplace harassment
and/or violence in the public sector and to synthesize the main available
evidence. An integrative literature review was conducted, with a protocol
registered on the Open Science Framework platform (https://osf.io/phq4z/).
Searches were performed in the VHL, PubMed, and APA PsycInfo®.
The search strategy included the descriptors “public sector,” “harassment,
non-sexual,” and “workplace violence.” Inclusion criteria were original articles
published within the last 10 years, available in full text, written in
Portuguese, English, or Spanish, whose study population included public sector
workers and addressed workplace harassment and/or violence. After the selection
process, 10 articles were included. Verbal violence showed a prevalence ranging
from 19.4% to 63.5%, followed by physical violence, with rates between 9.8% and
16%, and sexual harassment, ranging from 9.1% to 12%. The public sector was
approximately three times more affected compared with the private sector.
Factors associated with increased susceptibility to workplace harassment and
violence included being married, female sex, working as a physician or member of
the nursing staff, night shift work, and professional practice in hospital
emergency departments. Managerial support was identified as a protective factor.
Repeated exposure to violent episodes was associated with an increased risk of
suicide attempts and death by suicide. Public sector workers are significantly
exposed to workplace harassment and violence. Greater attention from managers is
recommended, along with strengthening public policies and educational programs
aimed at implementing preventive measures and promoting healthier work
environments.