Why Your PMVA Training Might Be Missing the Mark
“We’re trauma-informed.”
It’s a phrase you’ll hear in most healthcare, education, and care settings in 2025.
But when it comes to PMVA (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression) training — does that claim hold up?
For Learning and Development (L&D) Managers, commissioning truly trauma-informed PMVA training isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s central to:
- Staff confidence and retention
- Safer environments
- Ethical, person-centred practice
So, let’s unpack what trauma-informed PMVA really means — and what to do if your current provision isn’t quite there.
The Problem: PMVA Can Be Re-Traumatising
Many individuals supported in care settings — from secure hospitals to residential homes — have histories of:
- Childhood trauma
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Mental health crisis
- Neurodivergence
Traditional PMVA training often unintentionally mirrors some of these dynamics, by:
- Using compliance-based language (“control”, “take down”, “escort”)
- Normalising hands-on interventions without exploring impact
- Delivering role-plays that recreate distress without context or safety
- Focusing more on control than connection
Staff too may carry trauma histories — including those exposed to violence in the workplace. Training that ignores this increases burnout and fear.
What Does Trauma-Informed PMVA Look Like?
Trauma-informed PMVA is more than avoiding restraint. It’s a whole approach based on safety, choice, collaboration, trust and empowerment.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
1. Safety First
Training environments must feel physically and emotionally safe. This includes:
- Opt-in role plays
- Check-ins and debriefs
- Safe words or signals during physical skills
2. Contextual De-escalation
De-escalation techniques must be rooted in understanding the individual’s trauma triggers — not just ticking off a script.
3. Meaningful Reflection
Time to reflect on staff values, fear, bias, and confidence is essential. This is often the missing piece in skills-focused courses.
4. Skills with Empathy
Yes, physical interventions are sometimes necessary. But they must be taught with:
- Language that reduces shame and blame
- Techniques that prioritise minimal intrusion
- Awareness of how the act of restraint might be experienced by the other person
Is It Time to Rethink “Trauma-Informed” in Your Training?
Many providers claim to be trauma-informed. But ask yourself:
- Do trainers explore the emotional impact of restraint?
- Are scenarios and language person-centred?
- Is there space to challenge and reflect — or just follow technique?
- Does training support trauma-sensitive documentation and follow-up?
If the answer is no — it may be time for a shift.
How L&D Managers Can Lead the Change
As a Learning and Development lead, you have the influence to ask:
- Is this training safe for our people and those we support?
- Does it align with our values around trauma-informed care?
- Are we upskilling our staff or just fulfilling a requirement?
You can embed trauma-informed practice by:
- Reviewing current providers’ content and language
- Involving lived experience in your evaluation of training
- Choosing trainers who balance safety and compassion
How We Can Help
At GoodSense, we specialise in PMVA training that’s trauma-aware, psychologically safe, and still robust enough to meet legal and practical requirements.
Our approach blends:
- Evidence-based de-escalation
- Respectful and adaptive physical skills
- Space for personal reflection and skill-building
Ready to review your current provision? We’re happy to help you audit, reflect, and evolve your PMVA training offer.
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