At an individual level, workplace violence leads to a loss of motivation and self-confidence, depression, anger, anxiety and irritability. Without appropriate intervention, these symptoms can lead to illness, psychological problems, drug addiction or alcoholism. In the worst case scenario, the effects of violence can lead to work accidents, disability and even suicide. It should be pointed out that suicide committed in circumstances directly tied to work-related tasks can be considered an act of workplace violence. Moreover, stress and drug addiction can be causes or effects of workplace violence.

Within organizations, violence can be quite detrimental to interpersonal relationships, the atmosphere at work and operational management. It brings about a loss of productivity and lowers the quality of the goods and services produced, as well as having a serious impact on the organization's reputation. In various regions around the world, even the few statistics that are available speak volumes.

Just as one drop can make a cup overflow, workplace violence spills over in successive shock waves. Its effects not only reach the victim or victims directly but spread to people who are indirectly affected, to the organization and to the community as a whole.