by 
The Curious Bag
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The legal definition of lateral violence is that it is violence that occurs when victims of a dominating situation begin turning against each other rather than confronting the system working against them.
Forms
Lateral violence often takes the form of internal gossip among co-workers. Lateral violence can also be name-calling, put-downs, rude treatment, job sabotage and blame.
Professions
Lateral violence can happen in any high-stress profession or workplace, but health care in general and nursing in particular is especially prone to lateral violence.
Gender Issues
The gender theory of lateral violence states that since women's professions are so often devalued and unappreciated, women in these positions are often angry, frustrated and fearful; hence, they lash out at each other rather than the hierarchy.
Effects
According to research conducted by Martha Griffin, a clinical specialist and registered nurse, 60 percent of new nurses leave their first places of employment within six months because of lateral violence against them.
Expert Insight
Experts believe that communication is the key to overcoming lateral violence. Confronting the people engaging in lateral violence often results in awareness and lessening of the behavior.
Source:
Lateral Violence Law and Legal Definition
Nursing World: Lateral Violence-Nurse Against Nurse
The Violence That Ends Careers
Resource:
All Nurses: How Nurses Treat Nurses
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