In 2025, among public sector respondents:
The decrease in violence and aggression is likely due to the lower response rate of the health sector (17% compared to 34% in 2024) rather than any real change.
Health sector workers report higher levels of violence and aggression than other sectors.
In 2025, more than 1 in 4 (26.1%) public health respondents experienced violence and aggression at work compared to 15.4% average for the whole public sector.
Since public health makes up around 40% of the Victorian public sector, a fall in the response rate lowers the reported incidence of violence and aggression.
Bullying is defined as repeated unreasonable behaviour directed at an employee that creates a risk to their health and safety.
It can have an immediate and long-term negative impact on those involved, including those who witness bullying.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.
Sexual harassment is non-consensual or unwelcome sexual behaviour that could cause an employee to feel offended, humiliated or intimidated.
It can have immediate and long-term negative impacts on those involved, including those who witness sexual harassment.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.
Discrimination is when a person treats, or proposes to treat, a person unfavourably because of a personal characteristic that is protected by law (for example, sex, race or disability).
Employees expect to have a safe and inclusive working environment free from discrimination.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer. Categories with fewer than 10 respondents not shown for privacy reasons.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.
Violent or aggressive behaviour is when employees are abused, threatened or assaulted in a situation related to their work.
It can come from anywhere, such as from colleagues, clients, customers or the public.
Violent or aggressive behaviour can have immediate and long-term negative impacts on those involved, including those who witness the aggression or violence.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.
The results may add up to more than 100% because employees could choose more than one answer.