DRU Library

Abstract: In this webinar, Mourning Fox, MA, LCMHC, deputy commissioner for the Vermont Department of Mental Health, explores the issues around why people resort to violence and the risk factors that individuals have that may make them more, or less, likely to use violence. Fox discusses the three major predictors of violence and their impact on how you deal with emotionally charged situations both before they happen and as they take place. He also explains the importance of building a common language to describe potentially problematic or actually problematic behaviors seen in people who are in emotionally charged states in order to improve effective communication between responders and support service providers. A sampling of active listening skills and specific defusing techniques is incorporated into the webinar. This presentation is appropriate for campus safety and security, law enforcement, residential life staff, campus/mental health counselors, and mental health advocates and/or organizations with a spectrum of experience in de-escalating situations, from beginner to advanced. De-escalation is a transferable skill and could be used by others as well.