What is Nonviolent Crisis Intervention?

proven safe and harm-free method of behaviour modification is nonviolent crisis intervention (NCI). It is intended to support human service professionals in giving aggressive, disruptive, or out-of-control people the best care and welfare possible, even in the most violent situation. The instruction emphasizes physical intervention, personal safety, de-escalation, and prevention.

In this blog, we’ll discuss more aspects of NCI, what to identify, and what can be done. 

What is a situational crisis? 

Situational crises either have predictable causes, like divorce or failing a class, or unpredictable causes, like an accident death or a natural disaster. Both types include a shift in circumstances, typically followed by a loss, which can cause an individual to experience a crisis reaction.

When a person is unable to handle unpleasant changes in their environment, a crisis may develop. A stressful incident by itself does not define a crisis; rather, the individual's perception of the event and reaction to it do. 

The precipitating incident may lead to psychological disequilibrium, a condition of crisis, if the person perceives the experience as serious and threatening, has tried all of his or her typical coping mechanisms ineffectively, and is oblivious to or unable to pursue other options.

Understanding nonviolent crisis intervention

Training in nonviolent crisis intervention emphasizes prevention and provides tried-and-true methods for safely diffusing aggressive, hostile, or violent behaviour as soon as it arises. The knowledge and skills gained from Nonviolent Crisis Intervention will be helpful to anyone who may interact with people who are violent or verbally abusive.

Physical signs of someone going through a crisis including alterations in general health, vitality, or level of activity, as well as alterations in eating or sleeping habits, may indicate a problem.

Increased stress or exhaustion as well as personality changes like despair or furious outbursts are emotional indicators that a person may be in crisis. A person in crisis may also exhibit behavioural indicators such difficulty concentrating, becoming concerned with particular thoughts, or social withdrawal.

In order to assist someone who is going through this, there are verbal and nonverbal techniques that can be applied to balance the individual and bring calm to the situation. Physical restraint must only be used as a last resort when all other verbal and nonverbal tactics have failed and the person's actions are progressing into physical aggressiveness. 

What’s next

Correctional facilities, educational institutions, and mental health facilities are a few examples of settings where non-violent crisis intervention may be applied. The care, welfare, safety, and security of everyone engaged are the major priorities while using nonviolent interventions.

If you’re interested in areas of social work and want to learn more about learning and applying aspects of nonviolent crisis intervention, consider enrolling in ABM College’s Addictions and Community Service Worker diploma program. 

In just 56 weeks, you could be a passionate professional helping people out in your community who need it the most. Contact us to learn more about what you can do with this program or read our blog for more education and career information.