10 Steps to Follow After an Assault

If you are assaulted at work, you should follow the steps outlined below.

1. Report the incident immediately to your principal.
2. If you wish to file a criminal complaint against the student, the principal must call the police immediately to investigate the assault. If, due to the assault, you are physically unable to tell the principal whether or not you wish to file a complaint, the principal must immediately call the police so that an investigation can take place.
3. If you are injured, seek medical treatment. For any injury to be compensable under worker's compensation, medical treatment must be obtained.
4. Notify your MTEA Building Representative. Your BR will assist you as needed. If you wish, the BR will accompany you to any conferences related to the assault. The BR should notify the MTEA whenever a serious assault occurs.
5. File an "Incident Referral" or "72" form. Under "Teacher Recommendation," request expulsion, per school board policy. (Secondary schools and some elementary schools use the Incident Referral form. Most elementary schools use the 72 form.)
6. File an assault report. If the "Report of Assault Suffered by School Personnel" form doesn't provide enough space, you should add an attachment to provide a complete, detailed description of the incident.
7. File a worker's compensation form (Form EB-49) in case of injury. If medical treatment is obtained, give the name and address of the physician/hospital for inclusion on the EB-49 form.
8. If you suffer a personal property loss during an assault (ripped clothing, stolen watch, etc.), you should file a "Report of Personal Property Loss" form. You are entitled to reimbursement up to $300.
9. You must be paid your full salary for any loss of time due to an assault. Such paid absences are not deducted from your accumulated sick leave. You should review your paycheck statements to make certain that deductions are not made from your sick leave for assault-related absences.
10. If the administration does not follow through on disciplinary action or if you have any problems receiving your contractual benefits, contact an MTEA staff member at 259-1990 for assistance.