SOCIAL VIOLENCE

The first verbal dual is often used for setting the potential for a violent outcome.
The words, the look, the push…
The “glove” is thrown, will you pick it up?

Violence is seductive, the adrenaline is for some a rush. Add to this the street capital that occurs in groups where violence equals respect. The encounter before you can very well be used to this environment, have this in mind if you ever end up in a conflict with bad guys.

Social violence is about establishing and/or maintaining a social order. Basically, where people fit in the power hierarchy. Here are some indicators that you are in a social violence situation.

Audience Required:
Whether present or to be informed later, an audience is required for social order so that the audience knows where their place as well as the aggressor’s and your places are in the hierarchy. In some cases, such as the “educational beat down” in a domestic abuse situation, the only audience is you and the attacker.

Non-Violent Option:
Many times (but not always), the aggressor will give you a non-violent option to avoid violence (sometimes the bad guy instructions make you safer). In some situations, this is a way to save face for the aggressor. In others, it is a demonstration of his total power in that he has such control that violence isn’t needed from the beginning; only as a last resort.

Assessment and Communication Skills:
Almost all social violence situations can be resolved through good awareness and verbal defusing skills. “Those who talk can be persuaded to walk”
Don’t think that a social violence situation is stationery, it can become lethal/asocial in a heartbeat.

STRATEGIES TO HANDLE SOCIAL VIOLENCE

(Next chapter)