Physical Restraint - Purpose

Purpose

In America, physical restraint may be used:

  • by police to arrest and detain criminals
  • by specially-trained teachers or teaching assistants to restrain children and teenagers with severe behavioral problems, to prevent hurting others or themselves
  1. approximately 70 % of teachers who work with students with behavioral disabilities use a type of physical restraint (Goldstein & Brooks, 2007)
  2. often used in emergency situations or for de-escalation purposes (Ryan & Peterson, 2004)
  3. many educators believe restraints are used to maintain the safety and order of the classroom and students, while those who oppose their use believe they are dangerous to the physical and mental health of children and may result in death (McAfee, Schwilk & Miltruski, 2006) and (Kutz, 2009).
  4. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has stated that "Restraints may not be used as an alternative to adequate staff" (McAfee, Schwilk & Miltruski, 2006, p. 713). Also, "restraint may be used only when aggressive behavior interferes with an individual's own ability to benefit from programming or poses physical threat to others" (McAfee, Schwilk & Miltruski, 2006, p. 713)
  • by escapologists, illusionists and stunt performers
  • to restrain people who are suffering from involuntary physical spasms, to prevent them from hurting themselves (see medical restraints)
  • controversially, in psychiatric hospitals
  1. restraints were developed during the 1700s by Philippe Pinel and performed with his assistant, Jean-Baptiste Pussin in hospitals in France
  • as part of games of BDSM and sexual bondage
  • by a kidnapper (stereotypically with rope or duct tape and a gag) or other material

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