ABSTRACT
Whilst the development of procedures for dealing with violence is obviously of value, it would clearly be preferable if such procedures were unnecessary, that is, if violence were prevented in the first place. The possibility of non-violence certainly exists, as seen in anthropological studies: human beings are capable of co-existing peacefully. Exactly how to achieve such non-violence is however far from clear. In dealing with reactive aggression, then, action on two distinct fronts may be necessary. In the first place conditions must be as favourable as possible for the prevention of eliciting situations: where power relationships are equal and one partner is unable to succeed in a struggle for dominance, then the alternative strategy of cooperation becomes more likely. Where aversive situations are unavoidable, increased skill in preparing for, and dealing with, them reduces the possibility of a violent outcome.
