Which of the following describes the best approach for a person you support to address self-protection?

The best approach for a person you support to address self-protection is to focus on what he or she can do to protect themselves. This empowerment-centric strategy encourages individuals to build their confidence, develop essential skills, and understand their rights. By fostering self-awareness and self-advocacy, it helps the individual recognize personal boundaries and understand potential risks. Learning proactive self-protective strategies can significantly enhance their well-being and autonomy, allowing them to interact with the community more safely and confidently.

In contrast, relying solely on a Direct Support Professional for self-defense and protection can lead to dependency and may not equip the individual with necessary skills for self-advocacy in various situations. Similarly, completely avoiding the community restricts the person's opportunities for engagement and growth, which is not a sustainable or empowering solution in the long term. Encouraging independence and personal agency in self-protection ultimately supports the individual in leading a more fulfilling life.