Community Wellness

Conflict Resolution & Mediation

10 Steps For De-Escalation
Establishing a Rapport of Respect
Resources

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October 08, 2011

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10 steps For De-Escalation:

These points are based on a de-escalation training held on 1 October 2011 at Occupy Boston. Laminated copies may be found the Medics tent. Suggestions and amendments to this list are welcome.

1. Keep your cool; by remaining calm and relaxed you model and help the other person(s) calm down. Practice breathing and staying present and grounded.
2. Remember, your purpose is to “cool everything down.” You are not there to solve problems, argue or convince anyone of anything. You want to bring the arousal level down so that people can engage in a calm discussion.
3. Voice: Keep your voice low and monotonous
4. Stance: Turn your shoulders and feet 45 degrees from the person(s) so you can easily step away. Keep both hands visible and open.
5. Distance: Keep some space between yourself and the agitated person – allow about twice the space you would normally use when talking to someone
6. Use non-judgmental language: A simple “what’s going on?” followed by “that sounds pretty stressful/painful/scary/upsetting.” Or: you can try to distract the aggressive person with a question or a suggestion that they join you for a walk.
7. If two people are in conflict, try to separate them as quickly as possible. Once you're alone with them, identify yourself (your name;and that you’re a medic or mediator if you think it’s appropriate) and ask what they need in that moment. Allow them space to be flustered/agitated/upset.
8. Offer options to cool down:
   
   1. Go for a walk
      
   2. Drink some water
      
   3. Sit in a quiet space
      
   4. Talk it out ( with someone not involved in the incident)
      
   5. Make a phone call to a friend or family member
      
   6. Get something to eat
      
   7. Use resources at Occupy site: Medic tent, Spirituality tent, Library tent, “safe space” tent, leaving the occupy site completely, going inside to South Station
9. Take care of both the aggressor and the person being aggressed; don’t leave anyone alone.
10. Take care of yourself! De-escalation is draining work. Make sure to drink some water, sit in a quiet space and/or talk to a friend after you have dealt with a conflict situation.

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Establishing a Rapport of Respect, provided by Jess

• Get to know the person you’re talking to!
• Respect each individual’s gender identity, even if it doesn’t make sense to you.
• Do not assume that all people of transgender experience want to talk about being transgender.
• Use the pronouns and name the individual uses and prefers.
• Ask only questions relevant to the service you offer; do not ask questions to satisfy your own curiosity.
• Be mindful of your assumptions.
• Admit when you don’t know the answer and respectfully ask for the person’s help.
• Apologize, but don’t over-apologize for mistakes.

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Resources:

Websites for crisis prevention, management and resolution.

• Verbal De-Escalation Techniques
• De-Escalation Tips
• Resources from BasicRights.Org

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Based on: Conflict Resolution at wikispaces