Violence Prevention

Help a Hawk

Responding to 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:

Paranoia
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.)

After the incident, debrief with department chair or dean, Public Safety Officer, and/or a member of CARE Team.

FAQ

When facing a student in crisis, who is aggressive, or potentially violent: 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 (care@seattleu.edu) or Counseling and Psychological Services, (206) 296-6090.
What to aviod: 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.

Do Not:

Touch the student.

Slouch, glare, or sigh at the student.

Threaten to call unless you intend to do so.
How to express authority through non-verbal cues: Sit or stand erect.

Smile and make eye contact.

Speak clearly and distinctly.

Violence Prevention

Help a Hawk

Responding to Potentially Violent Student

FAQ

When facing a student in crisis, who is aggressive, or potentially violent

What to aviod

How to express authority through non-verbal cues