I Got Beat Up At Work Today

I work at a residential treatment center. A place for girls who have been removed from their homes and need therapy and time before they can go back or be adopted. As you can imagine we deal with a lot of anger there. Until this morning the worst thing that has happened has been threats, posturing, yelling. That sort of thing. 

But this morning because I wouldn't give her something she demanded, one of the residents punched me repeatedly, in the shoulder, the back and the chest. I had to physically remove her from the room and shut the door for her to stop. 

She was able to calm down and another staff took her to school. After they left I just burst into tears, thanks to the adrenaline wearing off.  I'm not actually hurt, she is little and I don't think I even have a bruise. But I am still in shock. I think it's about the psychic pain, of someone getting in your space and being so aggressive.  I couldn't believe it was happening.

Also I can't help thinking about what was done to her to make this little girl think that is the best reaction when she doesn't get her way. It hurts more that someone did this to her, to make her react with such anger and violence. To use her little fists to get her way.

I am still processing it. But it helps to remember that she is at our facility for a reason. Also it makes me laugh to say I got beat up by an elementary school kid. Because if you don't laugh, you might just cry.  

I just needed to vent. Do you have anything you need to let out? Pour it out in the comments.