Safety in Field

Table 4.1 Deal

Escalation of emotion and potentially violent behavior

Threats

c

Violence

Post incident

Stress, anxiety, fear; anger

Escalation of emotions and irrational thought

Feeling attacked, disrespected,

vulnerable, mistreated, unheard

Extremely angry, sees no alternative to violence

Remorse, release of tension. need for containment

Client in control of own behavior but exhibits unusual behavior

Verbal venting or unusual quietness

Client control over own behavior lessening

Verbal attacks, intimidation and threats of physical violence

Client control over own behavior being lost

Threatening actions. actual violence

Client control over own behavior lost

Client exit or social worker exit

Chapter 4: personal Safety

Prevention

De-escalation of violence

Dealing with threats

Dealing with violence

Review of incident

De-escalation or lntervention Approaches

of violence Recognize potential for high-risk situation to escalate

Use active listening and empathy to allow the client to be heard and work toward resolution of concerns

Assess potential for violence

Utilize nonthreaten- ing, respectful, and calm responses to clrent statements and behavior

Avoid arguing and challenging client

Seek solutions satisfactory to client

Set limits in speech and behavior

Develop potential escape plan

Avoid giving orders or returning threats

Call for assistance

Use self-defensive measures

lf safety cannot be ensured, leave or escape

Cooperate with responding law enforcement or others who arrive to assist Consult with supervi- sor and administrators

Document the incident Provide cntical incrdent debriefing and support as needed

4!

ing with Potentially Violent Situations

Stage of tncident Client Emotions CIient Behavior Goal High-risk situation

i}

c

c