evidence: Shock new figures reveal extent of abuse of teachers and staff in schools across Northern Ireland [...] One in five staff are assaulted once a week in schools across Northern Ireland, a shock new survey has revealed. [...] "Everyone expects and is entitled to go to work free from the threat of physical violence but if you work in one of Northern Ireland's schools in a support role, you could be one of the 51% who have been subjected to a physical incident at work,'' she said.