Trauma-Informed or Trauma-Ignored?

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.