Scenario

It’s week six of classes, and your discussion section is going great. All of your students are really getting the hang of the material so far, and you feel like you’ve gotten to know most of them by now. Today after discussion section, a student, Marnie, approaches you. Marnie nervously confides in you that she is growing concerned about another student in your section, Grace, who is seemingly good friends with Marnie. Marnie describes Grace’s recent behavior after beginning a new relationship with an unnamed male student. According to Marnie, Grace has become “very withdrawn, tense, and skittish.” Recently, Marnie has begun noticing bruises on Grace’s arms and neck, and when asked about them, Grace seems nervous and brushes off the concern. Marnie further explains that Grace’s new romantic partner seems controlling and forceful with Grace. Marnie tells you that she is very concerned for Grace’s safety as she believes Grace could be a victim of domestic violence. Although you know you cannot share your personal concerns with Marnie, you have noticed that Grace has recently become withdrawn in class. While she was once very eager to participate in discussions and contribute to group work, she has started skipping class frequently and seems out of it when she does attend. But without Grace admitting to you that she is being harmed at the hands of her partner you are unsure what to do.