April is Workplace Violence Awareness Month: Promoting Safety and Resilience at UC Davis

April marks Workplace Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing, preventing, and responding to workplace violence to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all employees. At UC Davis, we are committed to fostering a culture of safety and resilience. Throughout the month, we will be offering several opportunities for staff to engage in training, education, and discussions on workplace violence prevention.

Rounding with BEST Responders

To enhance safety and awareness, the Workplace Violence Prevention Team will be rounding with the Behavioral Emergency Support Team (BEST) Responders throughout April. These dedicated professionals play a critical role in de-escalating challenging situations and ensuring a secure environment. This initiative provides employees with a chance to observe, learn, and engage with BEST Responders on best practices in workplace violence prevention.

Mental Health First Aid Course

Understanding mental health is a key component of violence prevention. The UC Davis Workplace Violence Prevention Team will be hosting an open enrollment Mental Health First Aid course available to all employees. This training equips participants with the skills to recognize signs of mental health distress, provide initial support, and connect individuals with appropriate resources.

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Courses

Employees can also register for Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NCI) courses throughout April. You can choose between the 4 hour verbal de-escalation course, or the 8 hour course that also includes disengagement skills. These courses provide essential skills in crisis de-escalation, ensuring that staff members can respond safely and effectively to potential conflicts in the workplace.

Join Us at ELR’s Office Hours

We invite all employees to attend ELR’s (Employee and Labor Relations) Office Hours on April 9, 2025, where the Workplace Violence Prevention Team will be present to discuss Identifying and Reporting Workplace Violence. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and understand the reporting process.

Customized Presentations for Your Team

In addition to our scheduled events, our team is available to provide direct presentations to your team or workgroup. These sessions can be tailored to specific needs, offering guidance on workplace violence prevention, response strategies, and support resources.

Creating a safer workplace starts with awareness and education. We encourage all employees to take advantage of these valuable learning opportunities. Together, we can build a culture of safety, resilience, and mutual support at UC Davis.

Resources:

Mental Health First Aid class: Sign Up Now!

Workplace Violence Prevention: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/elr/workplaceviolence/

Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP): https://www.hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/asap

Ombuds: https://ombuds.ucdavis.edu/

Counselor drop-ins: https://ucdavis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_byI2jDrEAPyQzMa?Q_CHL=qr

Support U Peer Responder Program: clinicalwellbeing@ucdavis.edu

Harassment & Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program: https://hdapp.ucdavis.edu/

Workplace Violence Prevention Program

• Reporting Workplace Violence
• Training & Preventing Workplace Violence
• Resources & Support
• About Workplace Violence & Tools

Contact the Workplace Violence Prevention Unit:

• ViolencePrevention@ucdavis.edu