Introduction to Prevention & Management of Violence & Aggression

Course Overview

The Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training course has been designed and developed to meet the needs and expectations of customers whose employees regularly deal with violence or aggression during the course of their work and who need to employ all the skills from conflict violence, breakaway and physical restraint. The course is delivered over 4 days and builds on the framework of knowledge underpinned by current Law, Regulations and Guidance.

The following information gives an overview of the topics covered during the 4 days. Candidates are expected to actively participate in group exercises, general discussion and will be required to demonstrate effective team working skills. A requirement of all candidates is a reasonable level of fitness and general health in order to participate in the physical elements of the course and all candidates will need to complete a fitness questionnaire in order to ascertain this.

Course Objectives

Day 1

Develop an understanding of Law relating to the management of conflict

Assess and apply a risk assessment to all risks associated with dealing with conflict

Understand the importance of effective communication skills

Understanding the risks associated with lone working and applying principals of safe working

Identify post incident support and reporting procedures within your organisation.


Day 2

Realise that breakaway and self-defence techniques are only used when all other options have failed

Understand the Law in relation to the use of force for personal defence and / or the defence of others. The Common and Criminal Law, including the meaning of ‘Reasonable Force’ with reference to Section 3(1) of The Criminal Law Act 1967, in relation to defence of self and / or others

Understand how Health and Safety legislation is there for your benefit. The various elements of Health and Safety Statue and associated Health and Safety Regulations that relate to the use of physical force in the workplace, including what is meant by the:
- ‘common-law duty of care’
- Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974 (Sections 2, 3, 7 & 8)
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (Regulations 3, 8 & 14)

Apply the correct and safest way to defend themselves from a variety of wrist and body grabs whilst standing, seated behind a desk, in a bed situation and whilst in a car for those in the community

Know the quickest and safest escape from strangles

How to apply an effective stance in order to deal with head butts, punches, kicks and kneeing to the groin

Assess and use your environment, thus working out the quickest possible escape route, to minimise confrontation
This is only used as a last resort when de-escalation and defusing techniques have failed and to use the minimum amount of force thus minimising any possible injury to yourself, the assailant and to continually remember your responsibility towards therapeutic input at all times.


Days 3 & 4

Understand the Law in relation to the use of physical restraint

Evaluate the risks associated with physical restraint and consider methods to reduce the risks

Demonstrate non-harmful methods of control and how to safely apply them

Where required demonstrate more restrictive methods of control and when they should be used.


Who Should Attend

All employees who work within an environment where there is a requirement for the use of restraint.

Course Duration

This is a 4 day course

Course Materials

A booklet will be issued to all attending the course.

Course Content

Day 1

Introduction to workplace violence

Understanding Reasonable Force: Common Law

Understanding Reasonable Force: Section 3(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1967

Human Rights Act Article 2

Health and Safety at Work Legislation
Sections 2, 3, 7 & 8

Managing Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 3, 8, 14

Self awareness

Proactive service delivery

Communication skills

Signalling non aggression

Defusing and calming

High risk conflict

Lone working protocol

Post incident support.


Day 2

Relevant legislation dealing with violence and aggression: Criminal Law

Escape from wrist, body, hair & clothing grabs

Breakaway from strangulations including attacker using ligatures

Dealing with punches, head butts, kicks and groin attacks

How to deal with assaults whilst on the floor

Use of defensive body positioning and personal space

Aspects of good communication skills

The 'what ifs'.


Day 3 & 4

Children’s legislation

Basic Law

Health & Safety at Work Legislation

Positional Asphyxia risks

Non-harmful methods of control

Teamwork: Contact and Cover

Restrictive methods of control

Controlled take-up and down

Distraction techniques (only if required)

Demonstration of techniques that should not be used.


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