Swans Personal Safety Program in Roebourne

Swans Personal Safety (SPS) program is designed to create a deeper understanding of the negative effects of anti-social violence, the trauma that is associated with it and how it’s contributed to an ongoing culture and cycle of intergenerational acceptance of violence. SPS is a de-escalation-based program, where community members have an opportunity to increase their skills and abilities in resolving situations without the use of physical violence.

SPS promotes an increase in personal safety awareness, verbal de-escalation techniques, principles and guidelines to maintain personal safety, and as a last resort, physical skills to minimise trauma in confronting situations.

The program is tailored to various groups broken up in gender, age and those at a higher risk. The initial sessions develop foundation skills to then reinforce learned skills and develop proficiency in later sessions. With further development in Personal Safety awareness, identifying risks, techniques to verbally deescalate situations and keep themselves safe if faced with a confrontation, it can lead to a reduction in trauma and violence within the community.

Using communication techniques in situations will increase the likelihood of a situation resolving in a peaceful manner. The potential benefit in the community may see a reduction of physical violence related incidents.

“The new Swans Personal Safety course is an incredibly important addition to our Swans program in Roebourne and the Pilbara, designed to keep people safe in the community and reduce trauma” said Jason Burton, Head of Social Impact.

“Jimmy Westbrook has seen the importance in helping both young people and community members learn and understand how to first avoid conflict but also de-escalate or remove themselves from a situation where they or others might be injured.” Added Burton.

“The support of local partners City of Karratha, Horizon Power, BCI Minerals, Reality Self Defence Australia, Flex Fitness, PMG, Harvey Norman and Tactical Gear Australia Has been integral in allowing Swans to bring SPS to life.”