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Violence leaves clues. Stop a plot. Speak up.
Violence leaves clues. Stop a plot. Speak up.
Mass Attacks are Preventable.
53 percent of mass attacks leave a trail of clues leading up to them. 76 percent of attackers had concerning communications or elicited concern from others. For 59 percent of attackers, the first of these behaviors started over a year before the attack. Learn how to recognize the warning signs. And if you see something of concern, speak up. It’s confidential and safe.
Submit a Tip for School Safety
Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.
Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Pathway to Violence.
- Grievance: An individual may feel wronged due to a real or perceived experience. This feeling may stem from a sense of injustice, victimization, or embarrassment in a relationship, the workplace or life.
- Violent Ideation: The decision to use violence as the answer. While many people have thoughts of violence at times, most will not move toward the pathway to violence.
- Research and Planning the Attack: During this step, an individual may begin thinking about how they would carry out the violence they believe will solve their grievance. They may begin doing research on past attacks, weapons, potential targets, or locations for an attack.
- Pre-Attack Preparation: In this phase, the individual is psychologically ready to attack. They may begin preparations, such as collecting weapons, building explosives, target practicing, or purchasing special clothing or equipment.
- Probing and Breaches: This step is not always included in the pathway, but it is common to do a “dry run” of an attack. The individual may visit the intended target, look for security cameras, assess police presence, or call in a fake bomb threat or shooting. They may change their plans based on what they learn.
- Attack: The final step on the pathway is carrying out the act of violence.
Note: A person can move up and down this pathway, and there are opportunities at any point to speak up and intercept them before an attack or loss of life.
Know the Risk Factors.
Prior Criminal Involvement
Domestic Violence
Mental Health
Mental illness is not the cause of most mass attacks, but approximately 58 percent of attackers had mental health concerns.
Substance Abuse
Radicalization
Lone actor terrorism/extremist beliefs
Failed Joiner/Social Isolation
Not feeling or being accepted in groups
Stressors:
- Financial strain
- Job-related concerns
- Conflict with family/peers
- Marital problems
- Physical illness/pain
- Sexual stress/frustration
- Civil problems
- Death of relative/friend
Recognize the Warning Signs.
Leakage:
Pathway to Violent Behavior:
Identification with Previous Attackers:
New Aggressive Behavior:
Energy Burst:
End of Life Planning:
If you have information that could prevent an act of violence, speak up. Tips can be reported online or by calling 1-800-MICHTIP.
You could stop a plot.
Anyone can report tips confidentially on criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees, or schools.
Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Additional Resources:
Veteran Navigators Program
Veteran's Crisis Line
Text: 838255
Community Mental Health Services
Community Mental Health Services ProgramsCommunity Behavioral Health Clinics
Community Behavioral Health ClinicsFree & Charitable Clinics of Michigan
7 Cups
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Text: 988
Call: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Suicide Prevention
BeThe1ToThrive
Crisis support for under-represented groups including people of color, LGBTQ2S+, those living with disabilities, neurodiverse, etc.
Text: THRIVE to 313-662-8209