Best training I have ever done on the subject. Both the defusing violence and the actual defense skills were very helpful. I know this knowledge will be useful in the field – they are not just theories but things I can use daily.
Frances D-M
 This workshop was a very educational! It made me feel that I do have options. Most importantly for doing home visits with my clients, it gave me ideas of how to defuse a situation to get away.
Kelley W
 I almost did not attend today, thinking I knew everything there is to know about staying safe on the job. Was I surprised! It was an eye opener. The female instructors made strong role models for the hands-on self-defense portion of the workshop. I am truly glad I attended.
Gina T
 Thanks for helping me recognize what I am already doing to be safe AND WHY it works!
Gwen L
 This class was well organized and I am glad to have the pamphlet to take home to remind me of the home visit information. I am new to this job and now feel better prepared to do my job – safely!
Miriam C
 As a mental health clinician, I was very pleased with how much you take into account people’s past experiences, current fears or individual thought processing. Thank you for all the useful information and practice of skills.
Katie S

How To Defuse Potential Violence

Social Service Workers, Health Care Professionals, Librarians, Human Resource Personnel - any professional who comes in contact with dissatisfied or angry people - will benefit from this program. Participants learn skills to manage a "moment of conflict" to prevent an escalation to violence.

Available as a training workshop or a one-hour talk.

Instruction Options Include:

  • Prevention Skills
    Developing effective prevention skills puts you at less risk for workplace violence and will make you better prepared to deal with situations that arise. Participants learn strategies for workplace interactions. Home visit/fieldwork safety are covered for staff who work outside the office.

  • Assessment Skills
    Assessing the individual confronting you is an important first step to choosing an effective de-escalation strategy. Knowing the common precursor signs of escalating violence will help participants be prepared.

  • Communication Skills
    Effective use of verbal and non-verbal communication skills is the key to preventing volatile situations from becoming physically dangerous. Learn to build rapport and prevent violence from erupting.

  • Eye Contact and Body Language
    Know the do's and don'ts of eye contact and body language. Understand how to use this information to de-escalate volatile encounters.

  • Personal Safety Skills
    Practice your skills for non-aggressive shielding and escaping.

  • Organizational Response
    Learn the components of an effective organizational response to the threat of violence in the workplace. Teamwork can make a major difference in your effectiveness in dealing with potentially violent conflict.