What You’ll Learn – How to Learn – FAQ’s – Resources – Contact Us

Learn How to Stop Violence Before It Happens

We believe in the profound impact that empathy and connection can have on preventing violence. De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations™ is a nonphysical, trauma-informed training that focuses on using assertive communication skills to calm an angry person before they become violent.

Our partner company, Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI), is a leader in de-escalating violence training. Learn more about how this training can benefit you.

Note, most links on this page will direct you to CTRI’s site for more information and purchasing.

Contact us with questions

$120 billion is lost every year due to workplace violence

1 in 10 people have experienced workplace violence

Reduction in workplace violence incidence after de-escalation training

What You’ll Learn

Through a variety of training formats, you’ll learn how to recognize the warning signs of potential violence, break down the anger cycle, and explore how anger and violence interplay. You will also have the opportunity to practice your assertive communication skills as you gain insight into using your own communication style to defuse the situation and calm an angry, anxious, or hostile person.

Some of the Topics Covered

  • Understanding the anger cycle and escalation
  • Identifying your personal communication style
  • Assessing your workplace risk levels
  • Identifying the warning signs for potential violence
  • Applying the aggression-defusing process
  • Understanding when and how to disengage
  • Addressing enablers of violence
Not sure where to start? We can help.

How to Learn

We offer several training options to suit your needs, whether you are looking for individual, team, or organization-wide training.
 Learn More

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Individuals

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Teams

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Organizations

Individuals

Join our public trainings live or on-demand to complete at your own pace.

Live Workshops and Webinars
Our full-day in-depth, interactive workshop is delivered via Zoom or in person through presentation, video, case study exercises, and experiential practice. Our one-hour webinar is the perfect option for a condensed version of the material, delivered live via Zoom.

On-Demand Workshops and Webinars
We offer the same full-day workshop and one-hour webinar training in an on-demand video format, making it easy for you to engage with and complete the training at your own pace.

E-Course
Level up your de-escalation skills with this self-paced interactive option by purchasing multiple copies to share with the group. Our learning platform allows you to track your progress, and you’ll receive a certificate of completion.

If you’re not sure where to start, contact us and we would be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is knowing how to de-escalate someone important?

Knowing how to calm an angry, anxious, or hostile person helps create safer workplaces and environments for everyone.

What kind of de-escalation skills will be useful to me?

We can help you recognize the warning signs of potential violence and understand the anger cycle, which will empower you in a variety of situations. You can also learn and practice assertive communication skills for defusing aggressive people.

Will the skills I learn be applicable to any situation?

While every circumstance is unique, the skills and knowledge gained from this topic can be applied to a wide range of scenarios. The main thing you’ll learn is how to take a less confrontational approach so you can gain control of the situation.

Is De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations™ the same as Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training?

No, De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations™ is not the same as NVCI. NVCI teaches you physical techniques to safely disarm an individual who has already become violent. Our De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations™ training teaches you how to de-escalate an angry person before they become violent using interpersonal communication techniques and regulation skills — we do not teach any physical holds or restraints.

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Try our Newest Method of Training

Learn at your own pace with our e-course. Learning is best when you’re focused and engaged. That’s why our new learning platform combines video, text, and interactive quizzes. Train yourself or your entire team.

Purchase Now

Free De-escalation Resources

We offer a wide variety of free resources to help you prevent violence. Feel free to share these with anyone you can think of who might benefit.

Podcast

Explore practical steps that can make a difference to calm both ourselves and others.

Blog

7 Tips for Defusing Violent Situations

Blog

5 Keys for De-escalating Anger

Printable Handout

7 Tips for Defusing Potentially Violent Situations

Together with you, we want to create a world with less violence.

For More Information

Still have questions? Fill out this form and we will get back with you soon.

We Do Not Provide Crisis Counselling. If you are in crisis, please call or text the number 988 to receive immediate support. This suicide and crisis helpline works in both Canada and the United States.

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Breanne Boyce

Training Coordinator
[email protected]
204-452-9199 ext. 101

Lori Thiessen

Private Training Coordinator
[email protected]
204-452-9199 ext. 122