Warning signs of escalating aggression and violence

What are warning signs of escalating aggression and violence?

Violence rarely ‘comes out of the blue’. Escalation of aggression can happen over a period of time and may not occur as a single event. Some warning signs of escalating aggression include:

• veiled and overt threats
• violent gestures such as pointing, swearing, verbal abuse, slamming objects
• intense staring or avoiding eye contact
• irritability, restlessness, repetitive movements, pacing, inability to sit still
• refusal to communicate or withdrawal
• past history of violence.