The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario says three-quarters of its members report having experienced or witnessed violence against staff members.

The union commissioned a survey of its members earlier this year and president Karen Brown says learning is being disrupted due to violence in schools because the system is underfunded and under-resourced.

The survey found that 77% of members have personally been subjected to violence… or seen it against another member.

It also found that number rises to 86% when surveying just the members who work in special education.

The survey found that 42% of ETFO members have had a physical injury, illness or psychological injury or illness as a result of workplace violence against them this school year.