When young people witness or are subject to domestic violence or other traumatic events, it causes stress. Unresolved, persistent stress response can lead to a variety of physical, mental, and emotional difficulties. Millions of children of all socioeconomic groups are exposed to parental/familial violence each year. This scenario involves Nicole, a freshman student who witnessed the violent fight between Clay & Mike (see scenario "classroom fight"). Nicole's stressful life can lead to detrimental effects on her cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and academic skills. When students like Nicole witness violence in their school or community they may react in unpredictably abnormal ways, such as withdrawing from classroom activities, drawing or doodling images of violence on their paper, and even lashing out with aggressive behavior or language. A school educator is instrumental in helping these students cope more effectively, as well as help the student navigate community resources designed to relieve the domestic violence occurring at home.
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