Words vs. Weapons: How to Recognize When Verbal De-Escalation Won’t Work

De-escalation techniques are becoming part of the standard operating procedure for law enforcement agencies across the United States. These tools have been part of the juvenile justice and educational systems for more than two decades.

Programs like Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) teach participants how to recognize emotional situations, process information, and encourage talking instead of violence or physical actions.

Is it more effective to use your words when someone acts violently or aggressively toward you? Or should you have self-defense weapons to stop an attack before it starts?

Words Won’t Stop Aggressive Incidents

According to Rand Europe and ongoing research, there is no conclusive or robust evidence to suggest that de-escalation training can reduce aggressive or violent incidents.

The information even suggests that trained professionals cannot stop attacks from happening with this intervention technique.

The only evidence for de-escalation benefits involves helping to manage aggression or violence after it starts.

When people have confidence, knowledge, skills, and an appropriate attitude to handle a violent person, they are potentially less likely to experience a negative outcome.

That’s not to say that programs like TCI are ineffective. That information provides people with the resources they need for a successful intervention – once aggressive behavior starts.

Why are verbal de-escalation techniques ineffective? It has to do with the “rage mind” of an attacker.

When people are emotionally angry, they don’t process information as efficiently. More space is required to make them feel comfortable instead of getting triggered even more than they already are. That means the chances of engaging with a logical thought process are virtually zero.

If you’re in a parking garage and encounter someone in that state, telling them to stop won’t work because they’ve already made up their mind to attack. That’s when a self-defense weapon is necessary.

What Self-Defense Tools Are Effective Against Violent Conduct?

When someone has a violent intent, you need to put as much space between them and you as possible. That means your best self-defense options can be useful at a distance.

Throwing stars are an effective choice because they are scary and dangerous in the right hands. A strong arm can launch one accurately at more than 50 feet. Many people will stop if they see one because they recognize the danger to themselves.

Another choice is pepper spray. Some products deliver an accurate stream up to 20 feet, and anything in the vicinity of the individual will cause an immediate physical reaction. Gels stick to clothes and skin, creating a more severe set of symptoms.

The goal of both options is to escape whenever you can make a moment. If you follow up an attack after the assailant is incapacitated, the roles switch. You could be held responsible for whatever happens next. Words will always have a place in situation de-escalation, but typically from a management stance. A self-defense tool remains your first and best choice when the goal is to prevent violent actions.