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

2. 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

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

5. 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

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

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

12. 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.

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

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

15. 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”.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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