In Nonviolent Communication, the need for security is under connection instead of autonomy or peace.
It’s easy to confuse safety with security, and because of that, people use them interchangeably. But there is a big difference between the two. They mean two very different things.
Safety is the condition that protects people from threats and danger. It includes physical safety, mental safety, and emotional safety. There are general agreements among people on what's safe and what's not.
Security is the capacity to feel safe. It varies from person to person. Under the same circumstances, what's safe to me may not feel safe for you. We often hear people say: “I’m feeling insecure", and it means a lower inner capacity to feel safe.
When creating a community, it helps to keep both safety and security in mind. Community leaders are responsible for creating a safe place (physical, emotional, and mental) for members. Members have the responsibility to manage their inner capacity and reach out for help from the community. Holding each other accountable for the agreed responsibilities helps everyone.
