FOI Request - Assaults on Public Sector Staff
Request 101003267784
1) How many assaults on public sector staff have been reported to the council in each of the last two full calendar years and so far this year? Please break the figures down for each year to give an indication of how many assaults were of a sexual nature and how many were not. If possible, please also break the figures down to show how many of the incidents related to care workers, social workers and other departments.
2) How many legal cases have been raised against the council in each of the last two full calendar years and so far this year by public sector staff who allege the council was at fault in some regard for the assault they were subjected to?
3) How much compensation has the council paid out (either directly or through its insurance) to public sector workers in relation to instances when they were assaulted in the course of their work?
Clarification sought 30-03-2023
Clarification received 30-03-2023
Response 06-04-2023
1.
| Verbal Abuse | Weapon /Improvised Weapon Involved | Physical Assault with intent to injure | Physical Assault with no intent to injure | ||
| 2023 to date |
Community Care Direct Services Legal & Democratic |
<5* <5 <5 |
<5 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
| 2022 |
Community Care Direct Services Legal & Democratic |
<5 <5 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 <5 |
0 0 0 |
| 2021 |
Community Care Direct Services Legal & Democratic |
<5 <5 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 0 |
0 0 <5 |
| Total | 14 | <5 | <5 | <5 |
*Where the number of assaults as per your question above is less than 5, due to the low numbers involved, release of this information could result in the identification of individuals. It is therefore shown as <5. This information is exempt under Section 38(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Personal Information
Please note:
- there is no specific category for Sexual Assaults but looking at the details for the above, none of the reports detail the incidents were of a sexual nature.
The figures for education are held per school year. Please see below for education:
| Physical Assault (Weapon/improvised weapon) | Verbal Abuse/Threats | |
| Part -year Report August 22 - December 23 | 218 | 59 |
| Full School Year August 21 - July 22 | 311 | 107 |
| Full School Year August 20 - July 21 | 110 | 45 |
2. Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held.
3. Not held. Information that is not held falls under Section 17 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Information not held. Claims are processed through insurance and are not compensation, but reimbursement for damage/injury/loss.