Schools in Texas are initiating programs to help students who have experience with violence cope with the trauma. Many students are coming to Texas schools fleeing Mexico’s drug war. At a class in El Paso, a teacher explained how victims of violence go through different psychological stages following the event. Through tears, 17 year old Alan Garcia told his class, “I’ve been through all three stages: impact, recoil, reorganization of my life. My mom goes in and out of the recoil stage.” The other students in his class agreed, most having ties across the border in Juarez. Violent past experiences include mugging, witnessing a shootout, having had family members kidnapped, or being extorted by gangs.
The ongoing drug war in Mexico has brought thousands of students suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder similar to that experienced by soldiers returning from war. Thus many schools are implementing classes and counseling programs similar to those found in the military. Clara Contreras of the Safe and Drug-Free School and Communities program said, “What you see happening in Iraq or Afghanistan is the same that’s happening here in the border. This is not a war like those, but still you have people fleeing their country.”
Richard Barajas teaches “Principles of Victimology” at Cathedral High School where Garcia’s class meets. He began teaching the class after two students were killed in Juarez. The class teaches students how to help victims, how to understand the process of victimization, and how to talk about their experiences. Students have also started the group, “Hope without Borders,” which aims to raise awareness about violence and victimization in the El Paso-Juarez area.
“Drug War sends emotionally troubled kids to Texas.” Associated Press. 28 November, 2011.
