This unique and original book introduces the Instant Aggression Model and then expertly guides the helping professional through the skills needed to deal effectively with violent and aggressive behaviour. Written in an engaging and accessible narrative style the material is illustrated through numerous real life examples.

After introducing the model the book goes on to demonstrate how the professional can take control of their physical, emotional and psychological reactions to danger. This is followed by the introduction of Defusing, De-escalating and Rapid Reaction Skills for dealing with the increasingly dangerous levels of Reactive Aggression. Further chapters cover skills for dealing with dangerous behaviour influenced by substance misuse and psychosis, criminally motivated violence and violence in groups. Other key areas include crisis teamwork, risk assessment, lone-working, office-based procedures, supervision and post-incident support.

This is the first book to integrate a skilled professional approach to facing danger within a single consistent theoretical framework.