IUS Personal Counseling: Common Indications of Increased Risk for Homicide

Common Indications of Increased Risk for Homicide

A history of homicidal attempts, gestures, threats, or fantasies.
A history of violent behavior especially a previous homicide.
A history of explosiveness and/or rage.
A history of alcohol and/or substance abuse.
A disregard for societal conventions and laws. Antisocial values or behavior.
Allegiance to a culture, sub-culture, or family traditions that promotes or condones violent behavior.
Threats, letters, or messages describing homicidal plans and/or intent.
A history of psychosis (especially bipolar illness or paranoia that is not being treated) or impulsivity or severe agitation.
Having access to a gun or any other lethal weapon or means.
An inability to forgive or love others. Preoccupation with vengeance or/and obsessive need for retribution.
A history of cruelty to others or to animals.
A pattern of irresponsible behavior, callous disregard for feelings of others, and an inability to learn from experiences, especially, the consequences of antisocial behavior.
Any sudden discovery of an act of violence against a loved one, e.g., the rape of a daughter. Rage can short circuit over normal cortical controls obliterating normal judgment and moral boundaries.
Stalking behavior and/or obsessive preoccupation with someone who has already said no.
Inability to accept blame.
An inability to accept authority. A narcissistic world view.