Understanding Vandalism 

Vandalism is deliberately breaking or damaging something. It can be both upsetting and time-consuming to deal with, and it is not something we should have to handle alone. This is one of those occasions where we may have to play detective to understand what is happening and why.

There may be many reasons why someone has vandalised another’s property. It could be premeditated, or mindless, unthinking and spur of the moment. It could be because of frustration or anger at a situation, or it could be a desperate cry for help. But it can also be a sign of boredom, or simply trying to make your mark on the world. Many of us will have carved our initials into a tree or on the side of a school desk ourselves.

Remember, all behaviours are a means of communication. Understanding why someone has vandalised something is more important than the actual damage they’ve done.

Check your assumptions about vandalism

It is sometimes very difficult to prove that a particular individual has damaged something unless someone saw it take place. Unless we are completely sure, we run the risk of accusing the wrong person. We have to remember our own biases and assumptions. Are we automatically assuming it’s one particular individual because of other behaviours they’ve shown in the past?

Challenging or confronting an individual in front of others, where they could risk losing face or feeling embarrassed, doesn’t help us understand the situation and can escalate it further. Communicating with them quietly at a time when we won’t be disturbed encourages them to share with us. We can ask open questions like, “I wonder if you could help me understand what happened?” An object of reference, pictures, and preferred communication aids can help to focus the conversation and remind them of what is being discussed.

Keeping calm and being positive is important. We want to help them and understand the situation, not blame them. Reading their body language carefully can help. Reminding the individual that we want to support them and understand how they feel is important. There may be consequences that inevitably happen because of this situation, but we can focus first on working out what was going on for them at that moment.

Speak in terms of respect

If the individual admits to damaging something, it’s important for us to stay calm and avoid becoming angry with them. We can approach this as a problem they can help to solve. Asking questions like, “How will this person feel about what’s happened?” can help foster empathy, but avoid trying to make them feel guilty or ashamed about what’s happened. We can help individuals reflect on their actions and think about a positive solution.