School Self Defence

[joe1]

Hi,
I am a schoolteacher at a school for pupils with severe behavioural and emotional problems.

As you would expect, the staff are subjected to abuse by pupils - verbally daily, and often physically.

Although we expect and accept this situation as par for the course; can anyone tell me our rights regarding self defence ie. are they the same as if we were being physically abused in the street?

eg. if we are being attacked physically by a pupil are we legally allowed to defend ourselves - or is it our fault for being there as it is our job?

Thank you.

[BlackadderV]

Ask your union.

[anneasquith]

surely your school has guidelines re behaviour/actions , ?

[Mamyalynne]

I totally agree with the first two pots,you should have been trained in howto respond and whether or not and how to both retrain the aggressor and defend yourself.

If you are not properlyctrained then the establishment is at fault.

[Mamyalynne]

^ restrain the aggressor

[Old_Geezer]

Restraint would be appropriate rather than any retaliation type "defence", so not the same level of freedom of action as would be appropriate were you attacked in the street. Although my first thought was, as others have said, that all staff should have been properly trained before being put in position.

[EDDIE51]

Are you in the UK? If so the school must provide guidance and training on how to deal with the abuse. Wherever you are I would expect the school to provide that training it is basic to the job.

[joe1]

Many thanks all - I will take it up with management.
Regards