Editors Note: The names of the students in these stories have been changed to protect their identities due to the sensitive nature of the subject matter.

An out- of-control college student slapped her mother, sparking a catfight that concluded with a kick to the mother’s stomach and the student being placed under arrest for assault. This is a true account.

There are different kinds of abuse and while the scars from physical abuse are easily detected, other forms of abuse, like verbal and financial abuse, are not as easy to recognize by peers.

“The kind of disciplinarian action that is taken by the college depends on what kind of abuse is taking place,” Dr. Jeanie Nishime, vice president of student and community advancement, said. “The Student Code of Conduct is the ground rules.”

The Student Development Office would be notified of the particular student and the details of the incident if the incident violates the Student Code of Conduct.

The campus police are also notified if the issue is more serious.

One student was involved in a abusive relationship, so much so that she would not listen to the people close to her.

“I became really unattached to friends and my self-esteem was low because of my ex-boyfriend’s verbal abuse,” Alice, 20, communications major, said. “He felt like that was a way to deal with his anger. I don’t think he cared about how it was affecting me.”

Alice also added that no one should ever have to go through that.

“I don’t understand why someone would stay with someone who is abusing them, whether it be physically or verbally,” Alice, said. “Life is too short to be living a life in which you are not appreciated.”

Being a victim of abuse, Alice also found that what seemed to hurt the most was being verbally abused by her partner at the time.

“I think that verbal abuse stays with you longer than physical abuse, Alice said. It took me a long time for me to get myself back together. The way that he talked to me was just so wrong.”

Another student not only was a victim of abuse, but she was also the abuser. One of the people who was a victim of her abuse was her own mother. Her’s is the story told at the beginning of this article.

“I used to abuse my mom verbally and physically,” Sasha, 21, communications major, said. I was controlling, demanding and persistent. “I saw my mom’s self- esteem drop, but I didn’t care. At first I justified my actions because I have been diagnosed for being bi-polar. I realized after I was arrested and released for assault that I needed to change my ways.”

The relationship between Sasha and her mom is better now as she has worked on controlling her temper.

“I have changed my ways and strive to be in control of my temper,” Sasha said. “People use violence to demand respect because they can’t control themselves.”