What warning signs would you see if someone was becoming violent or aggressive?

Triggers can be: something that happened or a feeling such as disappointment or anger shaped by delusions, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, or misinterpretation affected by their perception of the environment or the behaviour of others. Consider their history, including any experience of abuse or trauma and how they responded during any previous incidents of violent and aggressive behaviour. Think about times when they have shown violent or aggressive behaviour, and what might have triggered it. Training should include a focus on de-escalation and cover: the early signs of agitation, irritation, anger and aggression. Encourage the young person to recognise their own triggers and early warning signs. Identify any cognitive, language, communication or cultural factors that might increase the risk of violent and aggressive behaviour. De-escalation requires advance planning and it is more likely to be successful when staff: Have a close working relationship with the young person and are able to sensitively monitor changes in their mood or composure.

People become angry for a multitude of reasons that are often interrelated. Anger can arise for young people and potentially be expressed as aggressive behaviour when they are: Exposed to a physical threat Something valued is lost or destroyed (relationships and possessions) Self esteem and identity is threatened Injustice is experienced (young people are very sensitive to inconsistent application of boundaries and rules) Frustrated and confused Experiencing uncomfortable physical states (eg: tiredness, hunger, headaches, withdrawal). Physical signs that a person may becoming aggressive and potentially violent include: Huffing and puffing Pacing up and down - rapid movements Facial indicators: staring - frowning - rubbing forehead - reddened complexion Raised voice Aggressive body language/actions - pointing - clenched fists hitting things – throwing magazines, pens and other objects down in frustration Words expressing threats - including swearing Argumentative and belligerent - won’t follow advice. The following acronym ‘S.T.A.M.P.’ can be used to best describe the behaviours exhibited by a person who is becoming agitated and potentially aggressive and violent: S - STARING -prolonged glaring at staff T - TONE -sharp, sarcastic, loud, argumentative A - ANXIETY -flushed face, heavy breathing, rapid speech, reaction to pain M - MUTTERING -talking under breath, criticising staff to self or others, mimicking staff P - PACING -walking around in confined space, walking into areas that are off limits.

According to the American Psychological Association, violence is a serious possibility if a number of these warning signs are witnessed: Repeated loss of temper, Frequent physical fighting, Vandalism or property damage, Increased use of drugs and alcohol, Increased demonstration of risk-taking behavior, Announcing plans or threats to commit acts of violence or hurt others, Enjoyment in hurting animals, Carrying, access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns, Withdrawal from friends and usual activities, Feelings of rejections and marginalization, Being a victim of bullying, Poor school performance, History of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority, Failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others.

Aggressive behavior can be a knee-jerk reaction to a trigger, or it can be planned in advance. Hostile aggression happens when you attempt to injure an individual by way of hitting, pinching, biting, pushing, or inflicting any other type of physical harm. Destroying property is also considered hostile aggression. Relational aggression can involve spreading rumors, teasing someone, or intentionally excluding a person so that he or she feels badly. Some people behave aggressively while under the influence of drugs, or due to the presence of an untreated mental health disorder. For many people, aggressive behaviors are learned early in life.