Physical violence

Physical violence covers mild to severe forms of violence inflicted on a person’s body, health and integrity that range from pinching, kicking, pushing, holding, gripping and pulling hair to slapping, throwing hard objects and beating.

Physical violence has implications for the mental and physical health and social wellbeing of the person affected and those around them.

Good to know

  • According to a study by UniSAFE (2022), 6 % of employees and students experience physical violence within their institution.
  • Violence tends to be mainly associated with physical violence. Physical violence is a severe form of violence, but it is not the only one.
  • Physical violence is punishable by law.