Warning signs
Become familiar with warning signs of behavior that could escalate into violence:
- Verbal, nonverbal or written threats of intimidation
- Explicit or subtle, direct or veiled threats
- Indications of marked mood swings
- Violence toward inanimate objects
- Fascination with weaponry and/or acts of violence
- Displays of unwarranted anger
- Reactions of fear toward an employee or student that are shared among coworkers or students
- Sabotaging of projects or equipment
- Holding a grudge against a specific person or verbalizing a hope that something will happen to him or her
- Unwarranted or extreme expressions of distrust and persecution
- Unreciprocated romantic obsession
- Inappropriate or destructive behavior in response to significant life stress, such as divorce, death or job loss
- Strong external reactions to criticism
- Physical reactions that indicate extreme stress or anger, such as clenching of fists, red in face and pacing
- Distressing or concerning expressions of hopelessness or heightened anxiety
- Lack of concern for the safety of others