The communal nature of the new authority is particularly salient in the treatment of acts of violence or vandalism, which cause damage not only to the victimized child or the destroyed property, but also to the whole community. The battering or vandalizing child conveys the message: “I do not care about your rules!” or “Look what I’m doing to your property!” In this respect, every act of violence, even if carried out secretly, is a public act that undermines the foundations of the community. Any treatment that ignores that dimension is flawed. We believe that any attempt to treat violence while attempting to conceal its existence only perpetuates the harm it does to the community. The practice of treating the violent child only in utmost discretion deprives others of the right to open protection and the child of the right to repair his shattered relationship with the community.

The four main communal aspects of treating violence are listed here:

1. The authority figure must stand at the head of the community: On the one hand, a leader is tested at times of crisis. Failure in the face of a threat is an unforgivable transgression for a leader, and a community disappointed by its leader in a time of need will no longer accept the failed leader's leadership. On the other hand, a leader who shows resolute responsibility against attempts to hurt members of the community will build resources of support, which will stand to his credit long after the crisis passes. The consequences for teachers and headmasters are clear: When they stand at the head of the fight against violence and vandalism they reinforce their authority, rescue the children from their guidelessness, rescue the victim from his vulnerability, and open the way for the offender to restore his relationship with the community and his membership in it.

2. Restoring the mutual commitment: The shock caused by acts of violence and vandalism undermines the entire community: Adults feel their authority is threatened and children experience disappointment and abandonment. Sometimes a chain reaction occurs, where the authority figures become defeatist or cynical, the victims learn to surrender in order to avoid further suffering, and the children in the broader circle sink into tacit acquiescence. Treatment of violence must address these processes and restore the shaken mutual commitment.