Coping with Violence on College Campuses
On November 13th, two college communities across the country were devastated – at the University of Virginia, Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis, Jr., and D’Sean Perry were killed in an act of gun violence, and at the University of Idaho, Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were found killed in a home near campus. We grieve with the families and communities impacted by the loss of these students.
We understand that many valid feelings can arise in response to events like these, including shock, numbness, anger, sadness, and fear. We want to acknowledge that these feelings are normal and that such tragedies can also be a reminder of other times in your life when you have felt unsafe.
During times of distress, it can help to acknowledge and work through our feelings:
- Building Resilience to Manage Indirect Exposure to Terror
- Managing Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
Even though firearms and other weapons are prohibited on UIC’s campus, news of violence on college campuses can also bring up feelings of anxiety or fear about attending classes or spending time on our own campus. If this sounds like you, we hope you will consider the following resources for safety at UIC:
We are aware that feelings of safety can be directly impacted by our identities and the identities of those around us. During the time of distress, your cultural resources and community can be a source of strength and support. They might provide you with coping and reassurance. We understand that when it comes to you safety concerns, you might not want to involve the police. If you do not feel comfortable involving police in your safety concern, consider these alternatives.
If you’re looking to talk with someone for brief support, we invite you to join us in a drop-in space or a single-session appointment to process your reactions to current events. For more ongoing support, check out our peer support groups or call us at 312-996-3490 for an initial consultation.
For additional information on violence prevention: