Violence

Violence can be defined as the use of physical force to injure or to abuse. This is also a term used to describe the destructive action of natural phenomena such as earthquakes and windstorms.

The usual definition of violence relates to the personal use of force to destroy property or cause injury to persons. In this sense it is usually intentional. There is also emotional and verbal violence that harms others.

It is important to understand that the personal policies will exclude coverage for slander or libel and for intentional or criminal acts. The commercial general liability policies will exclude coverage for an intentional or criminal act. The insurance company would not defend in such a claims.

There is an insurance available for intentional acts by employers against employees called Employment Practices Liability or Management Liability. This could address the violence of sexual harassment. If an employer does have to defend in a Human Rights violation there will be extensive legal costs that would be addressed by the correct insurance coverage.

A human resources program to deal with possible Canadian Human Rights Commission complaints could also help to prevent situations arising that could result in a lawsuit.