You Deserve Safety at Work

Workplace violence refers to any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site or is related to the job.

This can range from verbal abuse to physical assaults and even homicide. It affects employees, clients, customers, contractors, and visitors—and can happen in any work environment.

Workplace violence doesn’t always involve physical harm. It includes a spectrum of behaviors:

Non-Physical (but still serious):

  • Verbal threats or abuse
  • Harassment or bullying
  • Intimidation (e.g., threatening gestures)
  • Stalking or unwanted following
  • Written or digital threats (emails, messages, social media)

Physical Violence:

  • Hitting, punching, pushing, or shoving
  • Use of weapons
  • Physical assault or battery
  • Vandalism or property destruction
  • Homicide

Sexual Violence:

  • Unwanted touching
  • Sexual harassment
  • Threats of sexual violence or coercion

Legal Obligations for Employers

Employers have a legal duty to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, including violence, under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).

Employers must:

  • Assess risks for workplace violence
  • Implement safety and reporting procedures
  • Provide training to employees
  • Investigate all reports of violence or threats
  • Take corrective or disciplinary action when necessary

What to Do If You Experience Workplace Violence

If you are the victim of workplace violence, take action promptly:

  1. Get to safety immediately
  2. Call 911 if in imminent danger
  3. Report the incident to your supervisor, HR, or security
  4. Document what happened—include dates, times, witnesses, and exact words/actions
  5. Seek medical attention, if needed
  6. Follow up to ensure appropriate action was taken

What to Do If You’re Accused of Workplace Violence

If you’re accused—especially wrongfully—of threatening behavior or violence:

  1. Do not retaliate or confront the accuser
  2. Comply with workplace policies while the matter is investigated
  3. Request a copy of the complaint or incident report
  4. Consult with a San Diego attorney, especially if criminal charges or a restraining order is involved
  5. Prepare documentation that supports your side (messages, emails, witnesses)
  6. Attend HR meetings calmly and professionally
  7. Avoid violating any interim measures (e.g., no contact, suspension)

How Can We Help?

At Restraining Orders Lawyers, our San Diego attorneys help businesses and organizations take prompt legal action to protect their people and proactively prevent further incidents.

We assist with:

  • Filing emergency and long-term WVROs
  • Responding to workplace harassment or threats
  • Representation in court hearings
  • Risk evaluation and documentation support
  • Legal defense for individuals served with a WVRO

Not Sure If You Have A Case? Start Here.


Choose Your Protection Options

  • Domestic Violence

    Get protection from abuse or threats by a partner, family or household member

  • Civil Harassment

    Get protection from harassment, stalking, abuse or threats by someone you are not closely related to

  • Elder Abuse

    Get protection for elders aged 65 or older—or dependent adults with physical or mental limitations

  • Gun Violence

    Temporarily restricts individuals at risk of violence from accessing firearms or ammunition

  • FAQs

    Explore answers to frequently asked questions about legal protections, court procedures, and more.

Protect your employees and business—contact us today for help filing a Workplace Violence Restraining Order.
With Hundreds of Orders Secured,

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Only the employer can request a WVRO—not the employee directly. The employer must demonstrate that an employee has suffered or is at risk of suffering violence or serious harassment in the workplace.

A WVRO can be filed against anyone who poses a credible threat or has committed violence—this could be a former employee, customer, vendor, contractor, or other individual.

The order can:

  • Prohibit the restrained person from contacting or approaching the employee
  • Ban them from entering the workplace
  • Require them to stay a specified distance away from the employee’s home or vehicle
  • Mandate surrender of firearms

A temporary order can be issued immediately and typically lasts 15–21 days until the hearing. After the hearing, a WVRO can last up to 3 years and may be renewed.

Anyone served with a WVRO has the right to defend themselves in court. Our team also offers legal defense for restraining orders in San Diego and can represent individuals who have been wrongfully accused.

Legal representation is not required but is strongly recommended. A protective order attorney in San Diego can help ensure your paperwork is accurate, your evidence is strong, and your case is presented effectively in court.

Understand Your Rights