Warm up Write about a conflict you have had

recently. Tell me how you resolved this conflict. If the conflict has not been resolved, then write down how you plan to resolve it.

Conflict Resolution and Violence Prevention

Lesson 11

Objectives Analyze the causes of conflict Analyze the relationship between the use of

refusal skills and the avoidance of unsafe situations

Demonstrate healthful strategies for resolving conflicts and evaluate the effectiveness of conflict resolution techniques in various situations

Terms: Conflict: any disagreement, struggle, or fight Interpersonal conflicts: disagreements of any size,

from two people to entire nations Conflict resolution: process of solving a

disagreement in a manner that satisfies everyone involved

Negotiation: use of communication and compromise to settle a disagreement

Mediation: process in which specially trained people help others resolve their conflicts peacefully

Understanding Conflict Disagreements are NORMAL in healthy

relationships One benefit of conflict is that it can bring

people together to work out problems Learning to recognize conflict and knowing

how to deal with it is extremely important for your overall health and well-being

What Causes Conflict? Can begin in many ways and for many reasons Some are the results of accidents, while others are

intentionally provokedCommon Causes: Power struggles: when people are fighting for power over a

situation Loyalty: faithfulness to a friend or commitment Jealousy/Envy: wanting what someone else has Property disputes: conflict over material possessions Territory and space: conflict over an area Conflicting attitudes and values: differences in beliefs or wants Lack of respect: prejudice, bias, bad mood

Responding to Conflict Choice to face the conflict or ignore it

Primary concern should be your health and safety

Walking away from a dangerous situation is a wise choice and does not make you a coward

Conflict Resolution Process of solving a disagreement in a manner that satisfies

everyoneStrategies: Take time to calm down and think the situation over Use “I” messages when discussing the conflict Take turns explaining each side of the conflict Ask for clarification so that each person understands the

other’s position Brainstorm solutions Agree on a solution that benefits both sides Follow up to see whether the correct solution was chosen

Respect How would you define respect personally??? Show respect for yourself and others

Self-respect: recognize your right to your own opinions and values; ability to stand up for your beliefs

Respect for others: listen to them with an open mind; consider other people’s thoughts and feelings; honor values held

Showing tolerance of those who are different then you will help to minimize conflicts

Negotiation The use of communication and often

compromise to settle a disagreement Involves talking, listening, considering the

other person’s point of view, compromising if necessary and devising a plan for working jointly to resolve the conflict

Preparing for Negotiation: Make sure the issue is important to you Check your facts; make sure the disagreement is

grounded in factual evidence Remember that the goal is to come up with a

solution, not prove who is ‘in control’ or who is ‘right’

Rehearse what you will say, or script it out in advance so you don’t forget

During Negotiation: Select a time and place suited to working out problems

Meet when you are calm and are not rushed for time. Choose a quiet place, free of distractions

Work together towards a solution Do not treat the other person as an enemy

Keep an open mind There are two sides to every story Listen carefully to what the other person has to say

Be flexible Be willing to meet ‘halfway’

Take responsibility for your role in the conflict Apologize if you know you have hurt the other person

Give the other person an “out” If the other person seems to be embarrassed or uncomfortable, suggest

continuing the conversation at a later time

Mediation If two people can’t reach an agreement on their

own through negotiation, it may be necessary for mediation to take place

Mediation: a process in which specially trained people help others resolve their conflicts peacefully

Takes place in a neutral location Mediator maintains confidentiality Process has well defined rules, which the

mediator will inform the participants of

Violence Prevention

Protective Factors Behaviors that you can practice to stay safe

Taking precautions against risky situations and developing safety habits

Strategies for Staying Safe Avoid unsafe areas Don’t carry your wallet or purse in

a conspicuous, easy to grab place Walk briskly and confidently.

Always look as though you know where you are going and what you are doing

Avoid walking alone at night, in wooded areas or dark alleys.

Park your car in a well-lit area. Have your keys out and ready as you approach your parked car and look to make sure no one is in it before getting inside. Lock doors as soon as you get in.

Let your family know where you are going and when you’ll be home

Don’t get into an elevator with a stranger

Get on and off buses in well lit areas

If someone you know gives you a ride, ask them to wait until you get inside before driving away

Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers

Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol.

Body Language The use of body language can help

demonstrate that you are in charge of your safety Make direct eye contact Use a strong voice Hold your head high Walk with a deliberate stride

Self Defense Any strategy for protecting oneself from harm There are a range of classes available Physical and mental strategies are important Be assertive

Stand up for your rights and beliefs in firm but positive ways

Show that you are NOT an easy target

Keeping Your Home Safe Lock doors with a bolt Put locks on windows and keep them locked at

night Never open the door to someone you don’t know Don’t let strangers use your phone Do not tell unknown callers you are home alone Do not give out personal information over the

telephone or computer

Safety in the Community Increased police patrol Neighborhood watch programs After-school programs Improved lighting in parks and playgrounds

Keeping Schools Safe: Bullying Bullying: the act of seeking power or attention

through the psychological, emotional or physical abuse of another person

Come in all ages and both genders Victims of bullying may feel depressed,

withdrawn, fearful or angry Sometime just walking away from a bully will help

stop the behavior; however, most cases of bullying require adult intervention

Keeping Schools Safe: Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment: uninvited and unwelcome sexual conduct directed at another person

Words, jokes, gestures, and inappropriate touching are all forms of sexual harassment

Harassment is unethical and causes embarrassment, discomfort and emotional pain for the victim

Incidents of sexual harassment must be reported to school personnel at once

Keeping Schools Safe :Gangs Gangs: groups of people who associate with one

another to take part in criminal activity Common activities include

Vandalism Robbery Defacing public property Selling drugs

Some gang activities put innocent people in harms way

Influences on Violence Weapons availability Media Alcohol and other drugs Mental/emotional issues

What can you do?? Recognize warning signs!!! Report threats Practice conflict resolution skills Use refusal skills to resist negative peer pressure Choose friends carefully Avoid spending time with those who show warning signs

of violent behavior Tell an adult if you suspect your safety is in danger Join or develop a SAVE chapter (Students Against

Violence Everywhere)