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Violence Prevention

De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations

Workplace conflict can escalate into aggression when people feel threatened or unheard. This training teaches practical strategies to recognize risk factors, stay calm under pressure, and de-escalate potentially violent situations safely and respectfully.

4.9 (12,500+ enrolled)
Access On-Demand View Upcoming Dates
Available for Private Delivery
Certificate Included

Practical Skills for De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations

If you work with people, it’s crucial to know how to defuse dangerous situations before they become violent. This workshop will equip you with a trauma-informed approach to de-escalate situations with confidence, interpersonal communication skills, and empathy.

You will explore the dynamics of how our brains manage escalating emotions, identify enablers of violence, and learn regulation skills so you can confidently navigate tense situations. By the end of this training, you will have a clear understanding of how to assess the potential for violence and respond with a diverse set of interpersonal tools and strategies.

Learning Objectives

Explore the importance of using a trauma-informed approach in the de-escalation process
Identify common trauma responses and your role in escalation
Understand the importance of emotion regulation in successful de-escalation
Implement a practical de-escalation framework
Review and practice de-escalation strategies
12,500+
Professionals Trained
4.7 Stars
Trustpilot Rating
500+
Organizations Served

Choose Your Format

Training options built for real-world needs.

Most Popular

On-Demand Workshop

Recorded workshop for flexible, self‑paced learning.

$149
/ per person
Start right away – no scheduling required
Learn at your own pace, in manageable sections
Follow along with a full downloadable manual
Earn a certificate and continuing education credits
Access anytime, on any device
Share access across your team for consistent learning
Start Learning

Live Virtual Workshop

Interactive sessions with experienced facilitators.

From $299
/ per person
Learn from an experienced facilitator
Ask questions and get real-time guidance
Connect and learn alongside peers
Engage in discussions and practical exercises
Earn 6 CECs per day of training
Receive a certificate upon completion
View Upcoming Dates

Private Training

Personalized training solutions for your team.

Additional Options

On-Demand Webinar

Condensed training in a video format.
E‑Course

Self‑paced online learning experience.
Manual

Standalone written learning resource.

What You'll Learn

Walk away with the knowledge and tools to make a meaningful difference. The objectives below outline what you'll be equipped to do after completing this training.

Understand Escalation Dynamics

Learn how conflict escalates and how to intervene early.

Identify Risk Factors

Recognize behaviours and environmental risks linked to violence.

Use De-escalation Communication

Practice verbal and nonverbal strategies to calm situations.

Maintain Personal Safety

Learn positioning, boundaries, and safety awareness.

Work as a Team

Understand teamwork strategies for safe responses.

Recover After Incidents

Plan follow-up steps to support staff and clients after incidents.

Our Approach

Grounded in research, practical application, and real‑world experience.

Accessible

Clear, approachable learning without unnecessary jargon.

Applicable

Content designed for real‑world challenges and opportunities.

Engaging

Facilitators bring content to life through stories and examples.

Practical

Skills and tools designed for everyday use in your setting.

What People Are Saying

Insights from our participants.

"

It's not always easy to facilitate a six-hour session, but it flew by. Perfectly timed, packed with useful, relevant information, curated to address the unique needs of our group."

K. Decle

University of British Columbia, Office of Student Academic Services

"

This was one of the best trainings our organization has had. Staff were so engaged and came away energized and excited rather than tired and drained."

T. Etienne

Portal Youth Outreach Association

"

CTRI is a great source for learning. They were easy to work with and our facilitator presented in an engaging and interactive way that kept people interested and attentive."

J. Grimes

Optimism Place Women's Shelter and Support Services

Why should I learn more about this topic?

- Knowing the warning signs of potential violence along with de-escalation strategies will give you confidence when trying to calm an angry person.
- You’ll better understand your own interaction style so you can tailor your de-escalation approach to different situations.
- Understanding the role of anger in violent incidents will empower you to create safer environments wherever you go.

This training is for:

Mental health professionals
Social services and community‑based professionals
First responders and emergency services
Health care workers and support staff
School and post‑secondary personnel
Leaders, managers, and supervisors
Human resources and people operations teams
Employees in corporate or business settings
Anyone working in people‑centred or support roles

What does this training cover?

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This workshop teaches practical strategies to recognize escalating risk, use verbal and nonverbal de-escalation techniques, maintain personal safety, and support staff and clients after incidents occur.

Who is this training for?

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This training is well-suited for social workers, frontline staff, community service workers, educators, security personnel, and anyone who may face potentially violent situations in their work.

Is this training trauma-informed?

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Yes. The workshop approaches de-escalation through a trauma-informed lens, recognizing that people in crisis often have histories of trauma that affect how they respond to intervention.

Does this training include physical intervention techniques?

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No. This workshop focuses on verbal and nonverbal communication strategies, positioning, and safety awareness. Physical intervention is not covered.

Is this training available online or privately?

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Yes. CTRI offers this workshop in live, on-demand, and private formats. This is one of CTRI's most requested private trainings. Contact us to arrange a session for your organization.

Is there a train-the-trainer version available?

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Yes. CTRI offers a train-the-trainer program that prepares staff to deliver this training within their own organizations. See the Train-the-Trainer listing for more details.

Learn Safe De-escalation Strategies

Gain practical skills to prevent violence, reduce risk, and respond confidently in high-stress situations. Explore training options or bring this workshop to your organization.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included

Private Training

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Custom Training for Your Team

We can deliver any of our training for your group, on your schedule.

How it works

  • Step 1 — Contact us to discuss your needs and choose a topic.
  • Step 2 — Talk pricing (starting at Contact for pricing), and we'll work out a detailed proposal.
  • Step 3 — Confirm the details such as the facilitator and training date.

Fill out the form below or give us a call at 1-877-353-3205

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