Work violence affects one in four, says Canadian Kelly Watt Up to one in four people will suffer violence in the workplace during their career, with the direct cost running into millions of dollars a year in Australia. Violence experts and the Australian Council of Trade Unions believe employers are not doing enough to prevent violent incidents in the workplace. Canadian threat assessment specialist Dr Kelly Watt, who is in Australia this week to talk to employers, said many were unaware of their duty of care, particularly smaller businesses. "Unfortunately, many employers don't have a clear idea exactly what their responsibilities are," she said. Reporting of workplace violence is increasing, according to her colleague, Professor Stephen Hart, at global conflict prevention group ProActive ReSolutions. "Violence in the workplace is under-reported in the same manner as domestic violence," he said. People assume it's an internal matter. But that is beginning to change as we're getting much better statistics. Those most vulnerable to violence include people who work alone at night and handle cash - such as retail workers, takeaway food delivery drivers and taxi drivers - emergency workers, security guards and prison officers, health professionals and teachers. Figures compiled by the ACTU show more than 2000 serious workers' compensation claims resulting from assaults at work in 2010-11.