Resources and Policies for Preventing and Dealing with Violence

In 2009, a number of faculty, students and staff from the School of Nursing joined together to develop some proactive strategies for preventing and dealing with violence. This initiative was undertaken in response to a series of incidents involving students, faculty and staff who were variously being stalked or threatened by partners or ex-partners or other family members. Rather than only responding ‘in the moment’ with strategies borne of an urgent situation, we wanted to support more proactive, thoughtful preventive and responsive strategies.

UBC School of Nursing’s Position on Dealing with Violence

The UBC School of Nursing promotes a positive and peaceful environment for all staff, students and faculty. The School advocates a proactive and preventive approach to all forms of violence, especially

• Minimizing the likelihood and effects of abusive and violent acts by and towards students, staff and faculty
• Supporting students, staff and faculty who are dealing with interpersonal violence in their lives, to minimize the incidence and effects of violence on all.
• Optimizing the School’s curricula with respect to acknowledging, understanding, preventing and intervening in all forms of violence.

Why not a zero tolerance approach?

A “zero tolerance” policy focuses on recognizing violent or potentially violent behaviour and dealing with such behaviour. The School of Nursing is oriented toward a more proactive approach that focuses on prevention as a first defense.