Identifying Students that Need Assistance

The Abusive and/or Violent Student

Students who become abusive and/or violent are often in frustrating situations that they see as beyond their control.  Their anger and frustration is taken out on the nearest target.  These students’ behaviors are their way of trying to gain power and control in an otherwise out-of-control situation. Students’ abusive and/or violent behavior is often associated with their use of alcohol and/or drugs. Look for:

• Explosive outbursts; threats
• Ongoing belligerent, hostile behavior; defiance
• Verbal or physical abuse; yelling, screaming, clenched fists
• Attempt to dominate others (e.g., in group projects or presentations)
• Feeling frustrated, agitated and/or agonized over perceived failures, often followed by periods of melancholy
• Bitterness and resentment towards others’ successes
• Inappropriately focusing on self; exhibitionism
• Being at the end of one’s rope or endurance limit

Do:

• Remember, safety first.  If you or your students are in danger, call the Campus Police (x. 4444 or *80 from a campus pay phone).  Do not stay alone with the student if you do not feel safe.
• Stay safe.  Have easy access to a door, keep furniture between you and the student, and keep the door open if at all possible and appropriate.
• Acknowledge the student’s anger and frustration (e.g., “I hear how angry you are.”).
• Rephrase what the student is saying and identify her/his emotion (e.g., “I can see how upset you are because you feel your rights are being violated and nobody will listen.”).
• Reduce stimulation; invite the student to talk to you in a safe, quiet place, if appropriate. Make certain that a staff or faculty person is nearby and accessible.
• Allow the student to vent her/his feelings and to tell you what is upsetting her/him.
• Be directive and firm (e.g., “Please lower your voice.  I cannot listen to you when you yell and scream.” Or “You certainly have the right to be angry, but breaking things is not OK.”).
• File an Incident Report with the Vice President of Student Services.  Familiarize yourself with Administrative Regulation 5401 procedures for further disciplinary options and actions.

Don’t:

• Get into an argument or shouting match.
• Become hostile or punitive (e.g., “You can’t talk to me that way!”).
• Press the student for explanations about her/his behavior.
• Ignore the situation.
• Touch the student.