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Those who use Nonviolent communication seek to avoid using fear, guilt, shame, blame, coercion or threats to get their needs met. Instead, the ideal of Nonviolent Communication is for all people to be motivated only by what brings pleasure to them and good to humanity as a whole.
Rosenberg, trained as a clinical psychologist, has used the concept of Nonviolent Communication in peace programs in Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Serbia, Croatia, and Ireland. The theory has much in common with concepts used in Mediation and Conflict resolution and is used by some mediators in their work. It may also be called compassionate communication.
Although the name of the concept implies a commitment to nonviolence, Rosenberg endorses the use of protective force as long as it is not punitive.1
"[Nonviolent Communication] is Language, thoughts, communication skills and means of influence that serve my desire to do three things:
-Marshall B. Rosenberg - Lausanne, Suisse sept. 2003
1From a day long seminar given by Rosenberg in London, England on June 11, 2004
French translation of NVC: Communication NonViolente by Godfrey Spencer and Anne Bourrit.