During the course of this semester, I have wondered if my definition of violence could be described as a “ripple effect of violence.” Although certain acts may seem physically violent or causing harm to a person, they do, in fact, prevent one from developing, flourishing, or growing as a human being (as Paulo Freire framed the issue). I believe that anything that prevents a person from becoming “fully human” can be considered “violent.” Therefore, I regard those systems that create and/or perpetuate poverty, such as welfare, as violent. We have seen countless times when women had to leave the ALP to get jobs because they have been cut off from welfare. Some have to leave school because they can no longer afford even a bus pass to come to school. Because they have no money, they are restricted from the freedom to learn, explore new ideas, and pursue their personal aspirations.

In turn, this creates a “ripple effect” of violence in which one act, no matter how small or seemingly harmless, produces huge waves that are detrimental to the everyday growth of each student. If a person’s sense of self, freedom, or peace is taken away or disturbed, I believe they have been violated. Violence cannot be measured because it varies according to each person who experiences it. While I have observed the effects of the visual forms of violence amongst my students, I feel the hidden forms of violence are more prevalent. The effects of violence are manifested in various ways that affect the student’s ability to concentrate in class, retain information, focus on homework, and perform well on tests.