Commonalities in Mass Shooters
Trauma
Mass shooters have experienced childhood
trauma and exposure to violence at a young age.
Crisis
Mass shooters reach an identifiable crisis point
becoming angry, despondent, and suicidal.
Script
Mass shooters study other mass shooters to find
validation for their method and motive to kill.
Access
Once mass shooters commit to their plan,
they need access people, places, and firearms.
About The Violence Project
The Violence Project is a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to reducing violence in society and improving related policy and practice through research and analysis.
As Seen On
Jillian Peterson, PhD and James Densley, PhD are sought-after national trainers and speakers on issues related to mental illness, trauma, and mass violence. Their expertise and insight is highly-regarded and featured regularly in numerous publications.
The Mass Shooter Database
171 mass shooters.
Over 50 years.
100 life history variables.
The largest, most comprehensive database on the life histories of mass shooters.
Speaking Engagements & Training
The first data-driven, mass shooting prevention national certification program. For schools, colleges, businesses, churches, and public spaces.
Testimonials
With Dr. Peterson and Dr. Densley’s innovative crisis response training program, we experienced a 23% decrease in crisis related service calls in our first year. Officers reported that the training was one of the best they have had, providing realistic tools they can use when helping those in crisis.
The nightmare scenario for a principal related to safety is a school shooter. Dr. Peterson and Dr. Densely’s research on mass shootings, and most importantly their framework for how we can think about prevention, provides school and system leaders with research that can be trusted and used in practical ways.
Teachers are on the "front lines" when it comes to recognizing students who are facing crisis. Teachers deserve a "real world tool box" to support a student who reaches out to them for help. Mass Shooting Prevention Training provides this "tool box." As a former educator and now, a survivor of a school shooting, I know how important it is for teachers to be able to "do something" when a student asks for help. Mass Shooting Prevention Training provides this help.
Our Blog
Minnesota creators of ‘Mass Shooter Database’ sharing work with politicians, educators, police
A training session Friday, January 17, 2020, in downtown St. Paul will discuss their preliminary findings and mass shooting prevention strategies. More than 200 people from across Minnesota and… Read More »
Read More2019 in Review
Dear friends, As we prepare to ring in 2020, we wanted to reflect on 2019—a landmark year for The Violence Project. Here are just a few highlights: … Read More »
Read MoreWhy do people attack places of worship? Here’s what we know from our mass shootings database
This year has been the worst on record for mass shootings, including many at places of worship. Source: Los Angeles Times Authors: Jillian Peterson and James Densley
Read More