Responding to the Aggressive or Potentially Violent Student
Aggression varies from threats to verbal abuse to physical violence. It is very difficult to predict aggression and violence; however, the following can be indicators or "Red Flags" of potential violence:
- Dramatic change in work or study habits
- Decline in personal grooming
- Deterioration in social relationships
- Impulse control problems
- Argumentative; talks about revenge or vengeance
- Grandiose; always has to be right
- Psychotic, delusional
- Emotional expression that doesn't match context
- Highly disruptive behavior (hostility, aggression, etc.)
- Strange or bizarre behavior indicating a loss of contact with reality
- Suicidal or other self-destructive thoughts or actions: direct or indirect verbal or in written materials (assignments, journals, emails, etc.)
- Homicidal threats
What should you do when faced with a student in crisis, or one who is aggressive or potentially violent? Immediately
- Assess your level of safety. If a student expresses a direct threat to him-or-her-self or others, or acts in a bizarre, highly irrational or disruptive manner, call or have someone call Public Safety (206) 296-5911.
- Ask the student to leave the classroom so that you may speak away from the other students. Remain in an open area with a visible means of escape.
Remain calm. You stand a better chance of calming the student if you are calm.
- Explain to the student the behaviors that are unacceptable. Be respectful, but set clear and firm limits: "I see that you are upset. I need you to sit down. For us to have a conversation, I need you to…" Be clear and precise in the words you use. Acknowledge the student's feelings when appropriate; be reassuring. Be patient and listen carefully to find out whether the student understands what you are saying. You may have to repeat yourself. Be concrete. Try to identify a specific issue and suggest something that can be done to address it. For example, you may suggest that the student accompany you to the Counseling Center.
- Use a time-out strategy (i.e. ask the student to reschedule a meeting with you once he or she has calmed down) if the student refuses to cooperate and remains agitated.
Contact the CARE Team (email@example.com) or Counseling and Psychological Services, (206) 296-6090.
- Staying in a situation in which you feel unsafe.
- Meeting alone with the student.
- Engaging in a screaming match or behaving in other ways that escalate the situation.
- Ignoring signs that the student's anger is escalating.
- Crowding the student; observe his or her sense of personal space.
- Treating the person with hostility or condescension.
- Criticizing the student.
- Making sudden movements.
Express your authority with non-verbal cues
- Sit or stand erect.
- Smile and make eye contact.
- Speak clearly and distinctly.
- Touch the student.
- Slouch, glare, or sigh at the student.
After the incident, debrief with department chair or dean, Public Safety Officer, and/or a member of CARE Team.