Because it is infrequent, violent behavior is extremely difficult to predict. However, the following information may be helpful in identifying potential aggression and knowing what to do about it.

General Facts:

• The best predictor of violent behavior is past violent behavior (i.e. violence against self or others, history of family violence, physical abuse as a child)
• The risk of violence is about five times higher when substance use and abuse is involved than when it is not.

Signs of Possible Danger:

• Verbal or physical hostility (i.e. overt angry behavior), including verbal or physical threats, angry outbursts, loud and confrontational language
• Escalating angry, aggressive, hostile, or agitated behavior
• Suspiciousness or paranoia (hyper-vigilance, delusional speech content)
• Fearfulness, expressed helplessness or hopelessness
• Access to a weapon

Early Warning Signs:

• Increased substance use
• Confusion
• Mood swings
• Increased social withdrawal
• Increased irritability, impatience
• Increased absenteeism or lateness
• Diminished personal hygiene and self-care
• Diminished concentration, problem-solving ability, decision-making ability, judgement
• Diminished cooperation
• Decreased productivity, energy, motivation

Triggering events:
Often there are a series of events in an individual's life which "trigger" violent behavior. These include any event which the individual perceives as a serious loss or threat of loss, such as:

• Loss of a loved one (death, break-up)
• Physical threat to self or a loved one
• Loss or threat of loss of something highly valued (e.g. a job; an anticipated or desired accomplishment or "victory")
• Feeling unfairly deprived of something valued, especially if no recourse appears to be available to the individual
• Feeling frustrated or ignored

Some Reasons for Violence:

• To release feelings of anger or frustration, helplessness or hopelessness
• To control others or to get something
• To retaliate against those perceived to have been hurtful

Some Reasons for Work Place Violence:

• Job insecurity
• Oppressive work environment
• Few (or no) channels for appropriate expression of anger or other feelings
• Few (or no) channels for appropriate resolution of conflicts
• Feeling devalued, demeaned
• Job stress; feeling overwhelmed

Proactive Steps:

• Be familiar with the University's work place violence policy and student code of conduct
• Consult University Police to establish a work place safety plan and to provide a workshop on work place violence
• Be familiar with effective listening and helping skills
• Talk to the student/employee in a caring manner (objectively share what has been observed, without evaluation; express concerns regarding the employee and involved others; offer to listen and assist, if possible)
• Refer the individual to the Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program
• Document the earliest and ongoing misconduct or reasons for concern
• Involve (or consult with) appropriate authorities as early as possible - immediate supervisor, dean, department head, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, Human Resources, University Police
• Consult with the Counseling Center , the Employee Assistance Program , Human Resources, or Victim's Advocacy Program

When to involve University Police:

• Student/employee is acting in a threatening manner
• Student/employee is making specific threats to hurt others (including a threat to explode a bomb)
• Student/employee's actions have caused harm to others
• Student/employee displays a weapon
• Student/employee initiates violent behavior (including throwing, hitting or destroying objects)
• Student/employee kidnaps or takes others hostage
• Student/employee creates or threatens to create a hazardous condition in the work place
• Student/employee is engaging in stalking behaviors

In event of imminent danger or violent incident:

• Call 9-1-1
• Seek assistance for persons needing care

What to Do In a Dangerous Situation:

• Try to remain calm and to calm the student/employee (calm voice)
• Try to appear confident and in control
• Express a willingness to discuss the person's concerns
• Maintain a poised posture
• Avoid physical contact
• Avoid getting emotionally or personally drawn in
• Avoid behavioral gestures (these might be misinterpreted)
• Provide an exit route for you and the student (do not be between the person and the door)
• Attempt to remove the student/employee from the situation if others are in danger (e.g. ask a student to step outside the classroom; suggest meeting after class)
• If the student refuses to calm down or leave, and/or any danger appears to exist, dismiss the class
• State possible consequences for behavior (but not threats)
• Discuss options and alternatives
• Notify University Police/Call 911 (Later, give detailed report to University Police)

Following the Incident:

• Initiate corrective actions
• Seek assistance from the Counseling Center, the Employee Assistance Program, and/or Victims Advocacy
• Set up a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing for all affected individuals within 48 - 72 hours (to insure accurate communication, accelerate individual and group recovery, and enhance group cohesion)
• Refer affected individuals to on-campus and off-campus resources for individual assistance

(For more information, see Campus Resources)