Supporting Others After Workplace Violence: What Helps, What to Avoid, and Where to Get Support
Workplace violence can impact employees, teams, and organizations long after an incident ends. People may be affected whether they experienced the event directly, witnessed it, heard about it later, or are supporting others through the aftermath.
You do not need to have all the answers to be helpful. Often, the most effective support comes from being present, respectful, and informed about what helps and what does not.
Psychological First Aid in the Workplace
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed approach used after distressing events. It focuses on reducing immediate stress and supporting healthy coping.
PFA in the workplace:
- Is supportive, practical, and voluntary
- Does not require talking about the incident
- Is not counseling, therapy, or investigation
- Respects privacy, choice, and boundaries
A calm, steady presence often matters more than saying the perfect thing.
A Simple Framework for Support: The 6-Step PFA Approach
When people feel unsure about what to do or say after workplace violence, having a simple structure can help. This is the 6-step Psychological First Aid approach used in DE BEST trainings. It is flexible, not linear, and meant to support conversations rather than direct them.
- Prepare - take a moment to ground yourself and understand the setting
- Look - notice who may need support and what they appear to need
- Listen - offer presence, respect, and attention without pressure
- Link - share helpful information or resources
- Refer - encourage additional support when appropriate
- Disengage - close interactions thoughtfully and respectfully
You do not need to move through every step or follow a script. Even one or two of these actions can help someone feel supported.
Common Reactions After Workplace Violence
After a violent or threatening workplace event, people may experience a wide range of reactions. These responses may appear immediately or emerge over time.
- Physical - fatigue, headaches, sleep changes, appetite changes
- Cognitive - difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, intrusive thoughts
- Emotional - fear, anger, sadness, guilt, numbness
- Behavioral - withdrawal, irritability, avoidance, heightened sensitivity
Important reminder: There is no single "right" reaction, and not everyone shows distress in the same way.
What to Say: Supportive and Trauma-Informed Language
Helpful language communicates safety, respect, and choice. Short, calm statements are often best.
- "I'm really glad you're here."
- "You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to."
- "What you're feeling makes sense after something stressful."
- "Would it help to sit quietly or talk one-on-one?"
- "Support is available if and when you want it."
If you feel awkward, that is okay. Kindness matters more than confidence.
What Not to Say (Even With Good Intentions)
Certain phrases can unintentionally minimize or shut down conversation.
- "I know how you feel."
- "Everything happens for a reason."
- "At least it wasn't worse."
- "You should talk about it."
- "You'll be fine."
Avoid asking for details or speculating about what happened.
Supporting Groups and Teams
When addressing a group after workplace violence, brief and contained communication is most effective.
- Acknowledge that something difficult occurred
- Normalize a range of reactions
- Emphasize choice and confidentiality
- Share available resources
- Avoid group processing or debriefing
Support is about creating safety, not forcing discussion.
Simple Grounding Tools for the Workplace
If someone appears overwhelmed, grounding may help. Always ask permission first.
- Place both feet on the floor and notice the support beneath you
- Take one slow breath in and one slow breath out
- Name 3 things you can see, 2 things you can feel, and 1 thing you can hear
Simple techniques work best during high stress.
When to Encourage Additional Support
Additional help may be useful if someone experiences:
- Persistent sleep problems or panic
- Difficulty functioning at work or home
- Ongoing intrusive memories or nightmares
- Increased substance use to cope
- Feelings of hopelessness or being unsafe
Delaware Support Resources
Confidential resources are available for employees, supervisors, and responders in Delaware.
For Adult Emotional Support:
- Delaware Hope Line - Call or text *988
- Or call 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333)
The Delaware Hope Line provides confidential emotional support for adults experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional distress.
- For Mental Health and Substance Use Resources: Help Is Here Delaware
Final Takeaway
Supporting others after workplace violence does not require fixing what happened. It requires showing up with calm, respecting boundaries, and helping people connect to support when they are ready.
Quiet, steady support makes a real difference.
