Violent Hazing

What is Violent Hazing?

Violent hazing is the act of extreme and dangerous initiation rituals or activities imposed on individuals seeking acceptance into a group, organization, or community. Most often, violent hazing happens on college campuses within fraternities, sororities, and sports teams. Violent hazing often involves physical, emotional, or psychological harm and is intended to put the user through extreme limits.

What is an Example of Violent Hazing?

Examples of violent hazing include:

• Physical Assault: This can include acts of physical violence, such as hitting, punching, whipping, kicking, or any form of bodily harm.
• Forced Consumption: Hazing involves coerced or forced consumption of substances, which could range from excessive alcohol consumption to consuming dangerous or other harmful substances.
• Kidnapping or Restraint: Individuals may be forcibly taken or restrained against their will as part of a hazing initiation, causing fear, distress, and potential harm.
• Excessive Exercise or Endurance Tests: Hazing activities may involve extreme physical exertion or endurance tests that can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and in some cases, serious injuries.
• Humiliation and Degradation: Verbal or psychological abuse, humiliation, and degradation are common in hazing. This can include public embarrassment, nudity, offensive language, or demeaning actions.

What Can I Do If I or a Loved One is Being Hazed?

Violent hazing can have detrimental and devastating effects on a person’s well-being. The use of physical force, coercion, or harmful activities can lead to injuries, trauma, and long-lasting emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been a victim of hazing there are options you can take to seek help:

1. Remove Yourself from the Situation: If possible, get away from your environment where the hazing is taking place. If people are involved, do not engage with them until you have spoken to someone safe.
2. Get Support: Reach out to any friends, family, or other trusted individuals who can provide support and guidance. If on a college campus, reach out to a campus advisor, healthcare provider, or mental health professional, if you are in immediate danger call 911. You can also call the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at (888) 668-4293 or (888) NOT-HAZE. This toll-free, confidential hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Document the Incident(s): It is important to take note of specific details about the hazing incident including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved and if there are any injuries. This information may be helpful later if you decide to report the incident.
4. Seek an Experienced Hazing Attorney at The Fierberg National Law Group: The attorneys at The Fierberg National Law Group are dedicated to eradicating school violence related to hazing on college and school campuses nationwide. Our experienced hazing attorneys are passionate about ensuring college campuses are safe spaces for students to learn, grow, and thrive. We have over 30 years of experience and have secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients due to hazing injuries or death and are committed to raising awareness about the devastating effects of hazing.