When Someone Becomes Aggressive
These moments can be hard. Even very experienced workers find them hard.
If there’s a Behaviour Support Plan, that’s usually the best place to start.
Beyond that, every person, and every situation, is different. There isn’t one approach that always works.
What These Moments Might Be About
Aggression isn’t necessarily about the task.
It can come from someone feeling:
- overwhelmed
- frightened
- frustrated
- stuck
- out of control
It helps to remember that there’s often something underneath it.
Things That Sometimes Help
Different people respond to different things.
These aren’t rules, just ideas that some workers find useful.
You might try:
- Taking the pressure off
Pausing, stopping, making things simpler.
- Changing focus
Shifting attention to something familiar: music, a snack, a different space, a known activity.
- Slowing yourself down
Fewer words. Slower movements. A steadier tone.
- Giving space
Some people settle with space. Some settle when someone stays calmly nearby.
- Changing the environment
Going somewhere quieter, outside, or somewhere familiar.
None of these guarantee things will settle. But they can help reduce intensity.
About Safety
Sometimes things feel and are manageable, sometimes they don’t.
If you’re concerned about anyone’s safety, including your own, you don’t have to manage that alone.
Depending on the situation, that might mean:
- asking another worker for support
- contacting your manager or provider
- reaching out to family or carers
- or escalating further if required
Getting backup is sometimes what the situation needs.
After Things Calm Down
When there’s space to reflect which might not be immediately after or even the next, but when you’re ready, it can help to consider:
- What might have contributed?
- What seemed to help, even slightly?
- What made it harder?
- Is there anything we’d try differently next time?
And About You
Being around aggression can be unsettling and draining.
It affects people from new workers to experienced workers.
It’s okay to talk it through afterward. You’re allowed to need support too.
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Everyone's experience is different. If you want to share your experience, we'd love to hear it.
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