[Mobbing at work in Italy: a need for legislation on a growing problem].

Abstract

Summary: Mobbing at work is defined as the presence of violent behaviors, including physical and emotional abuse, by co-workers, subordinates or superiors to force someone out of the workplace through rumor, innuendo, intimidation, humiliation, discrediting, and isolation. According to recent Italian data, it has been estimated that about 1 million and 404 thousand women have been victims of mobbing or sexual abuse. Unfortunately, to date, a specific legislation for mobbing is lacking, and judge's sentences are based only on personal interpretations/applications on current Italian laws on violence and work-stress, as well as on the growing Supreme Court sentences regarding this hot issue. This perspective paper aims to better define the mobbing phenomenon, highlighting the main concerns and offering potential solutions.