Predicting Violence

No matter how thorough you may be about using safety precautions, there will be some client interactions that may not go smoothly. Housing workers must be aware of indicators of impending violence to either eliminate or mitigate aggressive acts. One of the most important tips to adhere to is ‘trust your gut instinct’.

People are unpredictable and there’s no set formula as to when interactions may turn negative, but common factors have been identified which can make people more inclined to violence. Here’s a list of identifiers you may spot.

If a person has a history of prior violence, it is likely that they may become violent again as this tends to be a coping mechanism. This is the single best indicator of violence, so workers should investigate if the client has been violent in the past.

Interactions with someone who has a history of violent behaviour should be arranged in a controlled environment with assistance present or readily available. It is not acceptable to expect someone to visit such a case without appropriate controls.

Certain internal factors have been associated with aggressive encounters. These include fear, humiliation, boredom, grief and a sense of powerlessness. To reduce risk, avoid putting clients in positions that embarrass them. Instead, try to give them knowledge that empowers them and help them see other, nonviolent options.

Physical factors such as lack of sleep, physical exhaustion, use of drugs, heat, hunger, physical disability, or chronic pain can lead to violent behaviour. Read, know and follow your employer’s policies regarding interactions with those under the influence of any type of substance.

Situational factors have also been found to be predictive of violence. Access to weapons, having experienced childhood abuse or aggression in the home, or feeling a sense of injustice or oppression can lead to violence. These factors should be assessed prior to any interactions or during an initial assessment in the field.

It has been proven that violence is more likely to occur when children or adults are taken from their living conditions, especially if they are removed in front of family or friends. These interactions should always be planned events and never conducted alone.

Illness and medical conditions can be heavily associated with violence. Knowing the dynamics of addictions, mental illness, brain trauma, and other issues associated with acting-out behaviours can better prepare workers for interactions with these persons.

Whether or not housing employees have information about a person’s past history or current emotional state, there are signs they can look for to determine impending client agitation and possible aggression. Clenching of fists or jaws, having a “wild” look in the eyes, being out of touch with reality, speaking in a loud voice or becoming verbally abusive are all indicators to look for. If these behaviours occur, immediate steps to reduce the tension should be taken before the behaviours escalate to violence.