Implications for Schools

helping the victims of youth-on-youth criminal violence

The majority of peer-on-peer violence known to the police occurs at school or on the way to or from school. Because the victim and accused are usually acquainted, the reality of on-going contact can cause distress and raise safety concerns after the incident is discovered by authorities. Fear of retaliation or intimidation by the accused and his or her associates may result in the victim skipping classes, missing extracurricular opportunities, changing schools, or even dropping out.

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Observations About Offenders

police are using the YCJA to divert a significant proportion of youth without laying a charge, using means such as warnings and cautions
youth who are charged typically have had multiple previous contacts with police as offenders, as witnesses or as victims of crime
where police arrest a youth, it suggests they believe the offence is serious; the youth is likely to re-offend; and/or the victim is at risk
in 70% of the cases studied here, the victim and accused were friends, acquaintances or school mates
there was a wide variety of motives in the study cases including arguments over money or property and the targeting of students who were perceived as different

Observations About Victims

victim concerns about reprisals is common and many youth feel intimidated by the accused and his or her friends
we can assume that the majority of incidents remain undetected and undisclosed
when the police are notified, it is typically the school or a parent who calls
victims of peer violence feel further victimized if they have to drop courses or are unable to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities because of fear
many teens are desensitized to violence and will minimize the impact on themselves or on others
some teens develop trauma symptoms including cycles of depression, anger and anxiety; problems concentrating; loss of interest in activities; feelings of detachment from others; and, images of the incident suddenly coming to mind
classes may be missed to attend counselling, medical or court-related appointments
victims expecting to testify may experience anticipatory anxiety and some describe feeling that their lives are "on hold" during this waiting period which can span most of a school year
court dates are not always convenient for victims and witnesses and may occur during examination times or on the first week of school

The Needs of Victims at School

Paradoxically, victims of violent crime may feel more vulnerable after a report to authorities. In the school context, a student may worry about being called a "rat" and will typically fear reprisals. The school's response to peer violence can play a large role in maximizing a victim's ability to learn and fully participate in school. It is important that victims not be penalized for coming forward.

A Safe School Environment

When peer-to-peer violence occurs in the school context, victims can be preoccupied with fears of seeing the accused and of re-victimization. Following an assault, the classroom, cafeteria, locker room or the school bus may be perceived or experienced as unsafe places. Schools can listen to the victim's concerns and develop a safety plan that may include changes to class schedules and transport arrangements

Ensuring Support

A police decision against laying a charge is not indication that the incident was minor or there was no victim trauma. It does mean, however, that a victim cannot access court-based and most police-based victim services. The police consider many factors before laying a charge, most importantly the accused's prior record. When charges are not laid, it may fall to the school alone to address issues of on-going safety and to help victims find any counselling they might need.

Understanding the Seriousness of the Incident

Some victims deal with physical consequences of a crime, but the emotional consequences are typically just as great. On the face of it, an incident may appear fairly trivial, but characteristics of the offence alone are not usually the best indicator of degree of trauma. You may not be aware of prior abuse, family stressors or on-going bullying that the student is reluctant to disclose or discuss. This incident may be the most recent in a series of violent acts experienced by a young victim at home and at school. On-going fear of an accused is also a factor that can precipitate or increase trauma symptoms. However, as is typical for teenagers, they may downplay their fears to others and minimize the serious of the offence.

Privacy Concerns

Teenagers are acutely concerned with privacy. Some staff must know about the incident and any resulting prosecution, to monitor on-going safety issues. However, students will appreciate knowing that staff are apprised on a need-to-know basis and that no confidential information will ever be revealed by the school to other students.

Recommendations

These suggestions are offered to Ontario schools.

designate one teacher or guidance counselor as the "go to" person the victim can contact when he or she has concerns or needs to talk
familiarize yourself with the implications for victims of the different ways police resolve cases in your community (e.g., charging vs. diversion) and how they compel an accused's attendance in court (e.g., promise to appear vs. arrest)
either the investigating officer or the victim can share with the school the details of legal restrictions on victim/offender contact, so incorporate this information into safety planning for the victim
recognize points of potential difficulty for victims such as the day an accused returns from suspension or the day of any trial or sentencing
be aware of how your actions toward the accused may be interpreted by the victim as condoning or minimizing the severity of his or her victimization
do your best to accommodate the many appointments and court dates victims must attend while their cases are processed through the court system
if a course requires a field trip to the courthouse, avoid entering a courtroom where a teenager or child is testifying

The Teens Hurting Teens Study is a collaborative effort of the London Police Service and the Child Witness Project, Centre for Children & Families in the Justice System, funded by the Ontario Victim Services Secretariat of the Ministry of the Attorney General. These documents from the study are available for download.

When Teens Hurt Teens: Helping the Victims of Youth-on-Youth Criminal Violence (overview of findings)

When Teens Hurt Teens: Implications for Police

When Teens Hurt Teens: Implications for Prosecutors

When Teens Hurt Teens: Implications for Schools

When Teens Hurt Teens: Implications for Child Witness Support Programs