School Violence: Causes, Consequences and Trauma-Informed Practices

The multifaceted construct of 'school violence' includes a wide variety of acts, such as physical assault and battery, physical aggression, noncontact aggression (e.g., throwing things), broadly defined externalizing behavior, bullying, fighting, robbery, unwanted sexual contact, weapon possession, and verbal threats. Chapter 1 takes a comprehensive look at the research on the predictors and consequences of violence in schools. Today, many children are prevented from reaching their full potential because they are suffering from the significant long-term effects of trauma. In fact, 34 million children, or 45 percent of children, have endured an adverse childhood experience that can hinder their ability to learn and grow. Chapter 2 explores implementing trauma-informed school practices.