Physical, Sexual, and Verbal Violence
This information should not be used to clinical diagnosis any particular persons. The purpose of this information is to assist the GSU campus community in our efforts to respond to distressed students.
Physically Violent Person
Most physical violence is related to one's emotional distress which typically occurs when one has reached their highest level of frustration. The cause of violent behavior can be associated with the use of alcohol/drugs.
Early Interventions
- In a quick and calm manner acknowledge the intensity of the situation
- Get necessary help (contact DPS)
- Maintain your safety (open door, locked door, access to door, making sure another person is nearby and accessible)
Avoid
- Minimizing the person's feelings or ignoring warning signs such as yelling
- Trying to problem solve
- Threatening or Touching the person
Sexual Harassed Person
Sexual harassment is typically related to a relationship of unequal power, status, or rank. Sexual harassment can effect a person's school/work performance be creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
How to help
- Encourage person to speak with appropriate persons who can assist in what further steps they would like to take (DPS, Counseling Services, supervisor, Employee Relations Officer)
Avoid
- Not maintaining person's privacy rights and sharing information with inappropriate persons
- Ignoring the situation
Verbal Violence
Most verbal violence or verbal abuse happens when a person becomes extremely frustrated by a situation and they believe they have lose control. The volatile verbal converse is this person's attempt to regain control of what they believe is out-of-control.
Early Interventions
- Acknowledge person's feelings (anger, frustrations, worry)
- Allow person to tell you what the real problem is while reducing stimulation
- Get necessary help; if needed (contact DPS)
Avoid
- Taking the verbal converse personally
- Shouting, Arguing, Touching the person
- Ignoring the situation
This information is based on Northwestern College Counseling and Disability Services' Helping Distressed or Distressing Students Article
