Recognizing and Helping Students in Distress

Responding to Aggressive, Threatening or Potentially Violent Students

Aggression may involve vague or specific threats to harm, verbal abuse and intimidation and physical abuse as well as property violence. Statements or behaviors that cause you to feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or in any way troubled are potential warning signs. It is very difficult to predict aggression and violence. However, the following may be possible indicators of potential violence:

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  Paranoia and/or mistrust
  
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  Prior history of violence or abuse
  
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  History of substance abuse
  
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  Impulse control problems
  
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  Talk of violence or revenge comments
  
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  Fascination with weapons
  
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  Writings that over focus on violence or seem inappropriately out of context
  

What you can do:

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  Assess your level of safety. Call 911 or Campus Safety (860-297-2222) if you feel any immediate danger.
  
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  If you feel comfortable and that it’s appropriate to stay with the student, remain in an open area with a visible means of escape
  
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  Enlist the help of a co-worker or other available person.
  
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  In a calm but firm manner explain to the student the behaviors that are unacceptable and offer them the opportunity to talk it through with a third party.
  
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  Stay calm and set limits, it will convey that you are in control.
  
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  Use a time-out strategy if the student remains agitated or uncooperative (ask them to reschedule a meeting at a later time when both of you have had a chance to calm down and think things over)
  
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  Make sure a rescheduled meeting is done with the assistance of someone or in a neutral setting.
  
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  Consult with the Dean of Student’s Office (860-297-2156) or the Counseling Center (860-297-2415)
  

What to avoid:

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  Remaining in a situation in which you feel unsafe.
  
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  Meeting alone or in a crowded space with a student who is threatening or aggressive.
  
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  A dismissive demeanor, best to convey that you recognize they are upset.
  
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  Do not engage in a discussion or behaviors that may escalate anxiety or aggression.
  
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  Ignoring signs that a student’s anger is escalating.
  
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  Ignoring a gut feeling that you are in danger.
  

Responding to Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any sexual contact that is initiated against a person without consent. Informed consent can not be given by an individual who is intoxicated or otherwise incapacitated. Prior sexual contact or consent does not imply ongoing future consent. Initial expressions of interest or flirtation do not constitute consent. Although most sexual assaults are committed by men against women, men can be assaulted by women and same-sex assaults also occur. Sexual assault may include any of the following:

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  Completed or attempted rape
  
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  Threats of rape
  
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  Sexual coercion
  
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  Unwanted sexual contact with force or threat of force
  
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  Unwanted sexual contact without consent including inappropriate touching, talk or behaviors such as exposing oneself, etc.
  

What you can do:

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  Listen empathically and without judgment, be aware that victims can feel much shame and anger
  
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  Ask if they feel they are still in danger from the perpetrator(s), and if so, you or the student should contact campus safety (860-297-2222) and/or the Dean of Students Office (860-297-2156).
  
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  If the assault was recent, ask the student if they need immediate medical attention and refer them to the Health Center (860-297-2018) or emergency room.
  
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  Refer to or escort the student to the Counseling Center or the Women and Gender Resource Action Center (860-297-2408) for assistance.
  
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  Ask that a SART member (Sexual Assault Response Team) accompany the person to needed services. Students may also call the New Britain YWCA/SACS (888-999-5545) who will send a volunteer to the hospital as an advocate for the student.
  
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  Let the student know that they have options about reporting, getting help, etc., that can be discussed and be open to the possibility that the student may not want to report
  
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  If the student needs help in dealing with academic issues as a result of the assault, or if they want to know more about their options, call the Dean of Students Office (860-297-2156).
  

What to avoid:

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  Expressing judgment even when high-risk behaviors on the part of the victim were involved (e.g., intoxication)
  
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  Pressuring the student to call the police or take specific action
  

Responding to students who are victims of sexual harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as non-consensual sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other sexually related verbal or physical conduct on or off campus, when submission is made a condition of an individual’s education or employment, or adversely interferes or with a person’s education or employment. Trinity College affirms and upholds a policy which rejects the abuse of power through sexual harassment of students by faculty and discourages amorous relationships between faculty and students especially when the faculty member has responsibility for the student through teaching, advising, departmental, committee, or other professional obligations (Trinity College Handbook).

What you can do:

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  Listen without judgment.
  
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  Ask the student to speak candidly with the Dean of Faculty or the Dean of Students.
  
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  Refer them to the Counseling Center.
  
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  Refer them to the Ombudsperson.
  
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  Refer them to the Women and Gender Resource Action Center.
  
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  Let them know that all informal communication will be verbal and one-on-one without confrontation of the faculty member, until a formal complaint is made using the guidelines found in Appendix A.4 of the Faculty Manual.
  

What to avoid:

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  Making judgments about the student or the faculty/staff member
  
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  Minimizing the situation
  
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  Choosing sides
  
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  Talking with others about discussions held in confidence