April - 2018

The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Primer

The Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA") is a federal Equal Employment Opportunity law which protects the rights of covered workers who are employed by employers to whom the ADA is applicable. Disabled employees who are targeted for harassment could potentially bring an action for employment discrimination pursuant to the ADA. Please watch the following brief video from Kathleen's You Tube channel 180 Seconds for a brief overview on the ADA.

11 Americans shot dead at work vs. 1 soldier killed in combat in 2018

The carnage on U.S. soil continues. Yesterday, 2018's 11th American was shot dead in active duty in the workplace in comparison to one casualty in Operation Enduring Freedom. The military-style AR-15 rifle used to murder four people and injure four others on April 22, 2018 at a Tennessee Waffle House. Photo courtesy of Nashville Police Department. Authorities have identified the murdered Waffle House worker as 29-year-old Taurean C. Sanderlin of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Th

Suspect who killed 4 was arrested by Secret Service in 2017

The AR-15 has shown up yet again in today's mass shooting at a Waffle House restaurant nea Nashville, Tennessee. At least four people were killed and two more shot by the suspect Travis Reinking who was described as nude except for the green jacket he wore at the time of the massacre. Travis Reinking, age 29 A Waffle House patron identified as James Shaw, Jr. has been hailed a "hero" in today's tragic events. Shaw rushed the gunman and pulled the assault-style rifle from his

Can social media provide clues to future workplace violence?

In June 2017, Randy Stair fired 59 bullets from his shotgun at his co-workers Terry Sterling, 63, Victoria Brong, 26 and Brian Hayes, 47, killing all three. Then he pointed his gun to his head, pulled the trigger one last time and died. For sometime prior to the massacre, 24-year-old Stair posted extensive angry, disturbing and violent content on his You Tube channel, on-line message boards, Twitter and elsewhere reflecting a highly troubled young person. Workplace murderer S

Kathleen's interview on the Empowered WhistleBlower Podcast

Please listen to Kathleen's interview by Dawn Westmoreland, the host of the Empowered Whistleblower Podcast. Kathleen addresses the formation of the WVPI, her recommendations to minimize the risk of active shooters/bullying/workplace violence, her new white paper "The Killer in the Next Cubicle" and the May 10, 2018 Violence Symposium in Orlando. Please copy this link and place it in your browser to hear the interview. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theempoweredwhistleblower/20

What is the WVPI?

Please watch the following brief video to learn about the WVPI:

Workplace violence is a global problem

Although much of the educational content provided by the WPVI addresses violence in America, citizens in other countries across the world are also at risk of this growing epidemic. Workplace violence is a global problem that must be addressed through proactive and preventative strategies. Please watch the following brief video on this topic:

WVPI Violence Prevention Symposium

One month from today, I will be joined at the WVPI Violence Prevention Symposium by the family of Ryan Birse who was viciously shot dead by a co-worker on February 25, 2016. Pictured: Ryan's step-dad Chris, his mom Karen, myself, Ryan's sister Rachel Birse and a family friend Orlando 2017. Ryan is deeply missed by his family, friends and community. From day one the WVPI has sought out the involvement of victims in our mission to educate and train that all violence - from har

Only a few seats left 2018 Violence Prevention Symposium

The WVPI's Violence Prevention Symposium is less than one month away. We have just a few seats left for this reservation-only event. Please email info@workplaceviolencepreventioninstitute.org for further information. Photo above: WVPI founder Kathleen M. Bonczyk (center) with the family of Ryan Birse, who was murdered at work 2/26/16. See you in sunny Orlando!

Workplace violence = the new domestic violence for law enforcement

Law enforcement has recognized for decades the particular dangers domestic violence presents to officers responding to these calls for help. I have long advocated that workplace-related violence can be as emotionally charged as domestic violence and therefore present the same level of risk to first responders. Officer Michele Walker of the Madison, Wisconsin Police Department. My research reveals that many times, the employee turned active shooter has attempted to take the li

Workplace Violence Prevention Institute - WVPI

a not-for-profit organization

Providing Workplace Violence Prevention Research, Education and Training