theviolenceproject.org

# The Violence Prevention Project

> A nonpartisan research center dedicated to reducing violence through data-driven research and evidence-based solutions.

## About

The Violence Prevention Project is a research center founded by Dr. Jillian Peterson and Dr. James Densley, housed at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Our mission is to reduce violence through rigorous, data-driven research that informs prevention strategies, policy decisions, and public understanding.

## Research Databases

### Mass Shooter Database
The most comprehensive database tracking the life histories of U.S. mass shooters since 1966. Contains over 200 data points per case including:
- Demographics (age, race, gender, education)
- Mental health history and treatment
- Crisis indicators and warning signs
- Childhood and adult trauma
- Motivations and grievances
- Firearms acquisition methods
- Leakage (communication of intent)

### Specialized Homicide Databases
- **K-12 School Homicides**: Violence at elementary, middle, and high schools
- **Higher Education Homicides**: Campus violence at colleges and universities
- **Workplace Homicides**: Occupational violence and insider threats
- **House of Worship Homicides**: Violence at religious institutions
- **Twin Cities Homicides**: Regional tracking of Minneapolis-St. Paul homicides
- **Political Assassinations**: Attacks on political figures and public officials
- **Presidential Attacks**: Historical assassination attempts on U.S. Presidents

### Firearms Database
Detailed data on weapons used in mass shootings including classification, legal acquisition methods, and modifications.

## Key Findings

Our research has identified several critical patterns:

1. **Warning Signs**: Most mass shooters display observable warning signs before their attacks, including leakage (telling others about their plans), crisis states, and changes in behavior.

2. **Crisis Pathway**: Mass shooters typically follow an identifiable pathway to violence involving early childhood trauma, an identifiable grievance, validation for violent ideation, and an opportunity to act.

3. **Mental Health**: While many mass shooters have mental health histories, the majority are not diagnosed with serious mental illness. Suicidality is a significant risk factor.

4. **Prevention Opportunities**: There are multiple intervention points where communities, schools, and institutions can intervene before violence occurs.

## Publications

Our research has been published in peer-reviewed journals and cited extensively. Key publications include:
- "The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic" (book)
- Numerous peer-reviewed articles on mass shootings, school violence, and prevention

## Media & Recognition

Featured in major media outlets including:
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- CNN
- NPR
- Time Magazine
- CBS News
- NBC News
- USA Today

## Contact

- Website: https://theviolenceproject.org
- Email: violence-prevention@hamline.edu
- Instagram: @theviolencepro
- LinkedIn: The Violence Project

## Data Access

Researchers, journalists, and policymakers can request access to our databases for academic research, policy analysis, and violence prevention initiatives. Visit https://theviolenceproject.org/databases/download for more information.

## Citation

When citing The Violence Prevention Project, please use:
Peterson, J. & Densley, J. The Violence Prevention Project. Hamline University. https://theviolenceproject.org

## API

The Violence Prevention Project does not currently offer a public API. For data access requests, please contact us directly.

## Last Updated

2024