Most commonly, peers that were standing by encouraged the violence or even joined in. Very few peers attempted to stop it. Hitting is the most common opening move. Common patterns of events follow the opening moves. Very few of the actions that occur after the opening move are attempts to avoid or evade the violence.
Violence escalates rapidly.
Justifications and Excuses for Fighting More than 80 percent of students felt their actions were justified. Sixteen percent of students made an excuse for their actions. To gain compliance Convincing the antagonist to desist from an offensive course of action. To defend oneself or others. To promote one's image.