Module 4 Summary

• Community members may want to share their concerns with frontline practitioners who may be seen as trusted adults because of their professional role within communities.  
• Community members may be apprehensive about sharing information. When someone does reach out to share information, it is important to be accessible, open, and attentive.  
• Honesty is the foundation of trusting relationships. This means that you should never mislead someone. You should be honest about what options might exist and you should never promise confidentiality unless you are required to do so.  

Remember, research clearly shows that gatekeepers are able to prevent violence by understanding what behaviors to look for and sharing this information with the appropriate resource. The appropriate resource may be law enforcement or other emergency services who can intervene immediately in an imminent threat, or it may be another resource better equipped to respond if the threat is not imminent. Examples include a Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Team or a specially trained mental health professional. Healthy, respectful, helpful, and safe communities are those in which residents feel responsible and are willing to intervene.