Topic - Predicting Violent Behavior. In court, a judge once asked me to predict how dangerous a former client might become.
I couldn’t give him an answer because there’s no way of accurately predicting dangerousness.
Many characteristics are known to be associated with the potential for violence. The most accurate predictor is a history of violent acts.
Males in their late teens or early 20s who are angry and impulsive are at risk. This rolling anger is usually related to their history of child abuse or witnessing domestic violence.
Poverty, a low IQ and having a father with a criminal arrest history are strongly associated with dangerous behavior.
Violent thoughts and fantasies often manifest into action. A lack of social support, high levels of stress and access to weapons increase the odds of violence breaking out.
If you find yourself considering a person’s dangerousness, you’re already in trouble. Get away.
