Tell Me The Story of Your First Assault:
Defining the Problem
by Angela Simpson
Silent No More Foundation, Salisbury, Maryland
Abstract
This article serves to define the problem of healthcare workplace violence through personal narrative, data from
original research, published accounts in media, and privately shared anecdote.
Tell Me The Story of Your First Assault: Defining the Problem
I have developed a standard conversation opener when at events: “Tell me the story of your first assault at work.”
Usually people have one. Occasionally they do not. When that happens, I ask, “Have you ever witnessed an as-
sault at work?” Most say yes, few say no. It is a strange way to begin a conversation. For me, though, this is my
job, my passion. I am the founder of Silent No More Foundation (SNMF). Workplace violence is a severe and real
threat that we face every time we go to work.
Issue 73, 2 2018 Pennsylvania Nurse 10