Violence Prevention Committee
Violence in any form is unacceptable at Virginia Commonwealth University. Our community members deserve an environment where they can explore academic and personal interests. VCU staff members from across the campus community are actively engaged in dialogue about how to prevent violence and educate community members on warning signs.
The focus of the Violence Prevention Committee is to provide education on, and prevention of, violence on campus to include guidance on threatening or aberrant behavior representing a physical threat to the community, information about reporting threatening behavior, review of policies and procedures related to obligations of employees (including faculty) to report behavior that may represent a physical threat, and annual review of threat assessment team policies and procedures.
On this webpage, you will find a host of resources from entities across VCU that provide community members with information on violence prevention and how to seek help if needed.
While every situation is unique, community members should be aware of common indicators by individuals who may contemplate or escalate to violence:
- Increasingly erratic or aggressive behavior
- Verbal/written threats or comments about violent acts
- Difficulty coping with stress
- Sudden distancing from family or friends
- Withdrawal or isolation that is out of the ordinary
- Frequently troublesome interactions with others
- Drastic changes to personal or work habits
- Signs of drug or alcohol abuse
- Unexplained absenteeism
Anyone who recognizes warning signs of potential violence and does not know what to do is encouraged to notify someone within the VCU community immediately, whether that be an expert or a trusted individual.
Student affairs, confidential support and law enforcement resources at VCU are available to take reports and connect community members with resources.
About the committee
The committee is composed of representatives from student affairs, law enforcement, human resources, counseling services, residence life, and other divisions as needed