Violence interpersonnelle en milieu de travail : une analyse du phénomène en milieu correctionnel québécois

Abstract

This article presents research results obtained during a sizeable study of peace officers in Quebec correctional services (CSO). The main goal of the qualitative part of this study was to understand, through individual and group interviews, the reasons for the particularly high interpersonal violence rate among members in this work organization. An analysis of the interviews revealed that the phenomenon of interpersonal violence among CSOs can be best understood through their use of defensive strategies developed in response to the causes of suffering to which they are exposed, including primarily: (1) work involving a dual function and a sense of fear and frustration, (2) social relationships characterized by mistrust, and (3) an identity weakened by a lack of recognition. Possible solutions also emerged from the analysis.

Keywords

• workplace violence
• defensive strategies
• prevention strategies
• mental health
• prisons