More than half (53%) of UK teaching assistants (TAs) have experienced physical violence at school in the past year, a poll by Unison has found.
The survey of more than 8,000 TAs found three-quarters (76%) had witnessed some form of physical violence. More than half (53%) had experienced, and 73% had witnessed, verbal threats at school.
Ministers say no-one should have to work in fear of violence or harassment, in or outside school or online.
Unison surveyed 14,514 members who work in school support roles - such as technicians, administrative staff, caterers, cleaners, and librarians. Of these, 8,211 worked as teaching or classroom assistants.
It found that three-fifths (60%) of TAs had experienced - and 69% had witnessed - other verbal abuse at school and more than a third (38%) had experienced - 79% had witnessed - bullying at school.
Unison said its study showed that teaching assistants were facing a "barrage" of verbal threats and abuse in their job.
