3-Day Positive Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) for Vulnerable People
Extended PMVA training tailored to those working with vulnerable populations, including mental health and social care settings.
PMVA for Vulnerable People Course
Course Overview
This comprehensive 3-day PMVA training course is designed for staff working with vulnerable individuals who may present behaviours that challenge, including aggression or violence. Vulnerable groups may include those with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, neurodivergence, dementia, trauma histories, or communication difficulties.
The course prioritises prevention, early intervention, and person-centred care, focusing on proactive strategies to defuse challenging situations before they escalate. Participants will gain a strong foundation in trauma-informed de-escalation, legal frameworks, and the safe, ethical use of physical interventions appropriate to their roles and settings.
This extended 3-day format allows for deeper exploration of theory, reflective practice, and more robust physical intervention training with increased time for skills practice, feedback, and confidence-building.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for professionals working with vulnerable people across health, social care, and education settings, helping them manage challenging behaviour safely, compassionately, and in line with best practice.
- Mental health and social care professionals
- Residential and community support staff
- Learning disability, autism and SEN workers
- Staff in healthcare, education, or supported living settings
- Anyone supporting vulnerable individuals at risk of escalation or distress
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the root causes of violent or aggressive behaviour in vulnerable individuals, including medical, psychological, environmental, and social factors.
- Apply trauma-informed, person-centred approaches to reduce the risk of escalation and promote emotional safety.
- Identify early warning signs of behavioural escalation and respond effectively using a tiered approach to intervention.
- Demonstrate a range of de-escalation and communication techniques, both verbal and non-verbal, adapted to the needs of the individual.
- Navigate legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities, including the use of reasonable force, human rights considerations, the Mental Capacity Act, and safeguarding principles.
- Safely use non-harmful, low-arousal physical interventions when absolutely necessary and in line with risk assessments.
- Practice safe disengagement and breakaway techniques, and understand when they may be required.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues during high-risk incidents using agreed protocols and communication tools.
- Accurately report, reflect, and debrief after incidents, contributing to safer environments and continuous improvement.
- Maintain personal resilience and emotional regulation when faced with challenging or distressing behaviours.
Course Content Summary
Day 1: Foundations & De-escalation Theory
- Introduction to PMVA in the context of vulnerability
- Understanding behaviour as communication
- The cycle of escalation and crisis
- Trauma-informed and person-centred responses
- Risk assessment and dynamic decision-making
- Primary and secondary prevention strategies
- Legal and policy framework (use of force, safeguarding, human rights)
- Introduction to de-escalation techniques
Day 2: Communication, Intervention Planning & Breakaway Skills
- Practical de-escalation (roleplay and feedback)
- Boundaries, rapport, and emotional regulation
- Situational awareness and positioning
- Communication strategies (non-verbal cues, tone, pacing, active listening)
- Personal safety principles and disengagement techniques
- Breakaway techniques (e.g., wrist/arm holds, clothing grabs)
- Practice scenarios and confidence-building exercises
- When and how to transition from de-escalation to physical intervention
- Emotional aftermath of incidents
Day 3: Safe Physical Interventions & Post-Incident Protocols
- Recap and Q&A
- Introduction to holding interventions (low-level, non-restrictive as appropriate)
- Teamwork in physical interventions (if applicable)
- Positional safety, breathing considerations, and risk reduction
- Safe application of guiding, escorting, and protective interventions
- De-escalation following intervention – restoring calm
- Incident reporting, documentation, and reflection
- Post-incident debriefing (staff and service users)
- Individual and team resilience-building
- Final competency assessments and feedback
Assessment & Certification
- Competency-based assessments in both theory and physical skills
- Reflective discussion and participation
- Certification valid for 12 months (or in line with organisational policy)
- Optional refresher available annually
3 Days
On-site
Flexible
Valid for 12 months
Enquiry Form
Ready to Book?
Protect your staff with the 1-Day Breakaway & Self-Defence Course and give them the confidence to safely handle conflict in high-risk situations.
Delivered on-site or online by experienced trainers, this practical programme ensures compliance, reduces risk, and builds a safer workplace.
Take the next step today — enquire now to secure your training date.