The Tribune

Police Advice

By Corporal Makelle Pinder

EVEN though conflict is a normal and necessary part of healthy relationships, the mere fact that people are sometimes unable to come to a settlement is bothering.

With the understanding that individuals are not expected to agree on everything at all times, it is imperative that they learn how to deal with conflict rather than avoiding it.

When conflict is mismanaged, it can harm any relationship. But when handled in a respectful and positive way, conflict provides an opportunity for growth, ultimately strengthening the bond between individuals.

However, based on the daily acts of violence that occur in our country, it clearly indicates that how we handle our anger and how we deal with other people who are angry can make the difference between managing conflict effectively and having conflict end in violence.

It can be agreed that too often in The Bahamas, people are losing their lives because of this particular social ill.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force National Crime Prevention Office offers tips on how to safely resolve conflict.

Unhealthy responses to conflict

• An inability to recognise and respond to the things that matter to the other person.

• Explosive, angry, hurtful and resentful reactions.

• Quick to resort to the use of weapons and profanity.

• The withdrawal of love, resulting in rejection, isolation, shaming and fear of abandonment.

• An inability to compromise or see the other person’s side.

• The fear and avoidance of conflict; the expectation of bad outcomes.

Healthy responses to conflict

• The capacity to recognise and respond to the things that matter to the other person.

• Calm, non-defensive and respectful reactions.

• A readiness to forgive and forget and to move past the conflict without holding resentments or anger

• The ability to seek compromise and avoid punishing

• A belief that facing conflict head on is the best thing for both sides.

Remember that conflict is a normal reaction, therefore choose your battles, and learn how to walk away.

Have the mental ability to ignore ignorant people and senseless conversations.

Compromise, and think before you act and speak.

Remember that life does not have a restart button, therefore choose your battles wisely.

If applied, the safety tips provided can minimise your chances of becoming a victim. Nevertheless, should you fall prey to any criminal act, call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you come across any suspicious person(s) or have any information pertaining to any crime, please contact call the police emergency at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Islands).