Intervening to Minimize Violence on Campus Mary Anne Knapp, LCSW Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) University Park, PA 16802

Violence on Campus- Interventions from a Psychological Perspective. Campus fears about violence-recent devp. Violence prediction- old and new Encouraging a climate of respect & non violence Progressive engagement around behaviors of concern Viewing scenes on-line and discussing issues of participants

What do we think about when we think about Violence on campus? Dramatic events at Virginia Tech, Northern Illinois, University of Alabama What about Penn State? - HUB Lawn shooting 1996 Murders of students by students/nonstudents Assaults on other students- drunk or sober Harassment- sexual and discriminatory Relationship violence/Sexual Assaults

Violence and You- What do you bring to the Interaction? What is your role with students? Protect your own safety. Consult as needed. Have you been the victim of violence? Do you have a “short fuse”? Are you likely to over or under react? What resources will you need to address the situation?

Traditional Person-Centered Ways of Assessing Violence Potential Leads to many False positives High percentage of students exhibit some or many of these traits We can’t kick them all out of school What can we do?

Warning Signs or Risks factors for Violence- Traditional/clinical assessment Past violence ** Gender (Male) Lack of empathy for others High levels of anger Childhood experiences- physical abuse, antisocial parents, especially identifying with abuser Personality Disorders Substance abuse Important relationship “gone wrong”-major disappointment or disgrace Specific Command hallucinations

Risk factors for Violence (cont) Any conditions that in combination lead a student to have trouble with their perception and interpretation of events and/or impairs impulse control When a student has access to weapons and fascination with weapons When there is a plan to carry out violence** Then it’s critical to take immediate action**

Psychological interview for Violence- Will Wadlington to CAPS staff- 10/17/07 Judgment- Does the student know right from wrong? Can they predict consequences of actions? Insight- Do they understand reasons and causes for their feelings and behaviors? Do they know what’s normative? Impulse control- Are they able to inhibit themselves and prevent unwanted behavior?

Progressive Engagement- When students “cross the line”. Find out what happened to the extent possible from all parties (JA, Res Life or Police role) Convey concern for the student even if they have engaged in questionable &/Or violent behavior Convey behavioral expectations Convey consequences Offer help/referral if student needs support to avoid problem behaviors or to deal with violence from others Remember to Consult & Document Meet again with progressive consequences for further episodes of concern

How can we minimize violence? Understanding and connecting to students- Being student centered w/ all students. Understanding our own issues/feelings about potential violence Conveying concern for the student & Curious Inquiry re event. Being there to support pro-social behavior, safety and healthy non-violent campus climate Asking clarifying questions to learn the meaning of behavior. Is it an intentional violation or lack of awareness? What did they mean by-----? Looking for Educational opportunities to convey behavioral expectations & other options

How can we minimize violence?- (Cont) Conveying a sense of expectations- What’s ideal behavior and what’s “crossing the line”? When are we making a suggestion and when is it a requirement? Who’s in charge of an interaction? Being clear about the consequences for violence. Progressive engagement for repeat events. Escalation as needed for serious offenses Parental Notification & Duty to Warn in emergency situations Threat Assessment, Students of Concern Teams

Resources when you are concerned about Potential or Actual Violence University Police at UP or Campus police or security. 911 Police/Ambulance Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) UP or campus counseling resources Usually 8 am-5 pm Monday-Friday Centre County CAN HELP line and other community crisis lines or Hospital ERs. Judicial Affairs (UP) for Student Misconduct Campus Directors of Academic Affairs or Director of Student Affairs for Consultation/Intervention Joe Puzycki UP Consulting with Supervisor or Coworkers Threat Assessment Team/Response Team on your campus

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act FERPA What’s allowed in terms of disclosure to parents or other concerned parties? Who decides when there is sufficient danger to health and safety to warrant disclosure?

Web Workshops Worrisome Student Behaviors- Students in Distress-