Deborah O’Connor, from IMPACT’s Munster SNA Branch, spoke to the motion at conference.  She told delegates “The work is thoroughly rewarding, but sometimes we are placed in difficult situations with children who can become aggressive. I haven’t suffered serious injury myself, but on one occasion I was knocked down in the corridor and had my glasses broken. I have seen colleagues being grabbed by the mouth, bitten and head-butted resulting in bleeding and bruising.”

IMPACT conducted a survey of SNA members in 2013 which showed that 59% of respondents had been assaulted in the previous five years and that 36% of those were assaulted on a daily or weekly basis.

Deborah told delegates she hasn’t received training in five years. “In that time, policy has changed and we have not been trained in alternative methods to manage challenging or aggressive behaviour. I’ve seen colleagues suffer major injury and return to work the next day, this reflects the dedication of SNA staff, but that doesn’t mean it’s right. We need an occupational injury scheme and to be trained in the best techniques to manage challenging behaviour.”