What is Protective Behaviours?

Protective Behaviours in Brief
Unwritten Rules of Society
Feelings, Thoughts and Behaviours
Protective Behaviours Themes
The Seven Strategies

Protective Behaviours in Brief

Protective Behaviours (PBs) is a practical and down to earth approach to personal safety. It is a simple, flexible and effective process which is inclusive and therefore accessible to everyone.

The term 'Protective Behaviours' was originally used by Peg Flandreau-West to name her Child Abuse Prevention Program (1970s). In retaining the quality and integrity of the process she devised, the name has remained the same worldwide. It aptly describes a personal safety process which has evolved to meet modern day needs and which has a broad range of applications. This is an overview of the main elements that make the PBs Process.

History of PB.

Unwritten Rules of Society

There are certain rules of society that have a powerful influence on our choices of behaviour. Whilst these rules can be positive and help to guide our interactions, many of them tell us that we should, ought, or must behave in a particular way. For instance, children should do as adults tell them; professionals ought to always have the answer; men must not show their feelings and women should behave in a ladylike manner. These rules are not written down, are often contradictory and do not always seem to fit in with our own personal experiences.

Some unwritten rules may even prevent some people from feeling safe and getting the help that they need. Other unwritten rules may cause individuals or groups in society to feel isolated, inadequate and excluded. PBs enables people to identify unwritten rules and choose which feel safe for them.

Feelings, Thoughts and Behaviours

PBs uses a model which recognises the interaction between Feelings, Thoughts and Behaviours with the idea that both thoughts and feelings can change behaviour. Feelings are feelings, neither right nor wrong, good or bad - sometimes one feeling may be masked with another or behaviours may be used as a way of avoiding or covering feelings. PBs believes that behaviour is a choice with an effect.

Protective Behaviours Themes

Theme 1: "We all have the right to feel safe all the time"

This statement is the core belief underpinning the Protective Behaviours Process. It is inclusive with the values of diversity and equality being at its centre. Feeling safe is viewed as a basic human right, supported by the idea that every right has a responsibility that goes with it. People discover for themselves the difference between feeling safe and unsafe. The physical feelings someone has when they feel unsafe are called Early Warning Signs. These alert them that they may need to do something so that they feel safe again.

Theme 2: "We can talk with someone about anything even if it is awful or small"

This statement reinforces the message in Theme 1 that if a person is not feeling safe it is ok to talk with someone to get the help they need. It encourages everyone to develop their personal networks of support because this is positive and life enhancing. A person's support network is made up of the people they choose to talk with and whom they think have the right qualities to help them.

The Seven Strategies

These strategies are effectively used to implement the two themes:

  1. Theme Reinforcement - reminding verbally, visually and especially by example, the two themes.

  2. Network Review - constantly checking to ensure that networks are available and still fit individuals needs.

  3. One Step Removed - using a 'third person' approach to problem solving, to seek assistance or to check out someone's ideas before making a disclosure.

  4. Protective Interrupting - any action taken to interrupt or halt any potential or actual unsafe situation.

  5. Persistence - seeking help until someone feels safe again and their EWS have gone. This includes seeking further help if their EWS don't go or return.

  6. Risking On Purpose (ROP) - deliberately choosing to take a risk when the outcome may be what is wanted or needed.

  7. The Language Of Safety - this is the glue that holds the Protective Behaviours Process together. It includes re-framing language into an empowering, non-victimising and non-violent format that is consistent with the PB's process. It means observing everyone's right to feel safe.