Abstract
<jats:p>This chapter investigates the often-overlooked phenomenon of workplace violence against women within academic organizations. Drawing on the ancient concept of five fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, and sky—as metaphors for the foundational pillars of knowledge, which argues that academic institutions themselves function as living entities that codify, transmit, and embed socio-cultural norms. Within these “academic spaces,” invisible and weaponless harms, such as microaggressions, exclusion, and systemic bias, can inflict deep psychological and professional damage. The author's first review global classifications of violence—citing frameworks from the United Nations and national legislations—before detailing our mixed-methods approach, which includes surveys and in-depth interviews with women faculty and staff. Next is presented a theoretical discussion that situates “invisible harm” within broader constructs of power and patriarchy.</jats:p>