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Violence
and Gender
A Response to the Shooting at Capital Gazette
Another deadly incident of targeted violence has been reported in the news. Thursday, a disgruntled man walked into the Capital Gazette newspaper in Maryland killing
five journalists, injuring two others, and traumatizing a workplace filled with employees. Like many other targeted attacks, this individual had a history of a grievance with the newspaper.
Targeted violence, unlike other forms of violence, is predatory in nature, and the individual has let the unresolved conflict fester and escalate into a grievance that
they believe can only be resolved through the use of violence. Through research we have identified a specific pathway for targeted violence as well as warning behaviors that indicate an escalated risk of violence. In addition, research has suggested that the
more warning behaviors exhibited, the more serious the threat of violence.
As the tragedies continue to mount, it is imperative that researchers, threat assessment professionals, government officials, mental health providers, and others continue
to collaborate to further identify risk factors, warning signs, identification techniques, and, most importantly, intervention strategies. This is not a new phenomenon.
Yet, in the United States, there is an almost weekly predatory attack. And, following these types of attacks, days are spent debating issues of appropriate gun control,
mental health issues and violence, regulatory measures, etc. It is time to significantly move the needle in preventing these kinds of events and apply intervention strategies appropriately timed to defuse the individual who holds such an intense and sustained
grievance.
Violence and Gender is proud to continue to push
for community change by publishing research and applied science articles that assist professionals in making headway to stop needless predatory attacks. We need your help to drive these critical conversations forward and prevent tragedies. Please
submit your research and commentaries today.
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