BEHAVIOURAL DE-ESCALATION Strategies for responding to and managing aggressive behaviour

AIMS Self Awareness Self Control Self Protection Self Care To assist you to develop greater understanding of aggressive behaviour and more effective systems of: Self Awareness Self Control Self Protection Self Care

Who can present with aggressive behaviour towards us in school? Students Ex-Students Parents Other family members Community members Other staff

Why is dealing with people sometimes a problem? Low levels of logic Lack of knowledge Inaccurate information Unrealistic expectations Psychological problems Previous bad experiences Anxiety, frustration and anger REALITY: No matter what you do, not everyone is going to be happy, satisfied or thankful

What is Aggression? A hostile action directed towards another person. Verbal Aggression Physical Aggression Passive Aggression

The Aggression Cycle De-escalation Crisis Recognition Enduring the Crisis De-escalation Crisis Recognition Prevention Escalation Coping with the Aftermath Trigger Recovery

The Triggers Fear Frustration Manipulation Intimidation Mental State - alcohol or drugs - reactive states - stress levels

Other Factors Mood and Tolerance Beliefs and Values Language and Culture Displacement Environment

Factors which may need to be considered Core values: “Duty of Care” Other roles and responsibilities Staff member skills and training Emotional reactivity Special needs.

Control the Environment Behaviour Controls Verbal Strategies Non-verbal Strategies Self-control Behavioural De-escalation

There are no guarantees when dealing with difficult and aggressive behaviour. However… clear procedures, together with effective responses to this behaviour, will increase your chances of getting the outcome you want.

Control the Environment Access to staff Meeting venues Other staff attending meetings Physical layout factors

Initiate Behavioural Controls Clear guidelines about staff contact Student behaviour policy Reinforcement of expectations Meeting agendas Staff training

Verbal Stratagies Speak clearly…don’t use jargon When appropriate… Lower your voice and keep your tone even Use the other person’s name Explain who’s present and why Inform them you would like to take notes Encourage information (questions) Speak clearly…don’t use jargon Use “present tense talk” (Focus on “NOW”) Paraphrase and summarise Encourage simple compliance (eg. sitting) Use compliance motivation Allow the other person to “save face”.

Non-verbal Stratagies Be aware of your body posture (Defensive vs. Receptive?) Protect your body space Seat the other person Give a warning before moving Use appropriate eye contact Avoid physical contact, or talk first.

Protective Stratagies In a “worst case” scenario…. Know who to call and how to call them Stay outside of the “hit zone” Leave the situation Use a barrier Protect your body.

Personal Well-being Recognise limitations Depersonalise the event Talk about your experiences Use exercise Take up offers of help Use distractors Don’t insist you should cope better Use personal relaxation techniques Report incidents of aggression