The 6-Step Pathway to Violence Model, developed by CISA

The 6-Step Pathway to Violence Model, developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), is a framework designed to help identify, assess, and mitigate threats of targeted violence, including school shootings, workplace violence, and other acts of targeted aggression. This model outlines the behavioral progression that individuals may follow as they move toward committing an act of violence.

Understanding this pathway is critical for early intervention and prevention. Below are the six steps in the model:

1. Grievance

• Description:
  The individual experiences a real or perceived injustice, slight, or harm. This could stem from personal relationships, workplace conflicts, bullying, or broader societal issues.
• Key Indicators:
  • Expressions of anger, resentment, or victimization.
  • Obsessive focus on a specific person, group, or situation perceived as responsible for the grievance.
  • A sense of being wronged or treated unfairly.
• Prevention Focus:
  Address grievances through conflict resolution, counseling, or mediation before they escalate.

2. Ideation

• Description:
  The individual begins to fantasize about or conceptualize violence as a way to address their grievance. They may start to think about harming others or themselves as a solution.
• Key Indicators:
  • Verbal or written expressions of violent intent (e.g., “They deserve to pay”).
  • Increased interest in violent themes, weapons, or past incidents of violence.
  • Daydreaming or talking about revenge scenarios.
• Prevention Focus:
  Monitor for signs of escalating ideation and intervene with psychological support or threat assessment.

3. Research/Planning

• Description:
  The individual starts actively planning how to carry out the violent act. This may involve researching targets, methods, or tools (e.g., firearms, explosives).
• Key Indicators:
  • Searching online for information about previous attacks or weapons.
  • Drawing maps or diagrams of potential targets.
  • Gathering materials or resources needed to commit violence.
• Prevention Focus:
  Identify and disrupt planning activities through law enforcement collaboration and school/community monitoring.

4. Preparation

• Description:
  The individual takes concrete steps to prepare for the violent act. This could include acquiring weapons, practicing attack scenarios, or conducting surveillance on targets.
• Key Indicators:
  • Purchasing or stockpiling weapons or other materials.
  • Practicing shooting, building explosive devices, or rehearsing attack plans.
  • Visiting or surveilling potential targets to gather intelligence.
• Prevention Focus:
  Intervene immediately if preparation activities are detected, as this step indicates a high likelihood of imminent violence.

5. Breach

• Description:
  The individual breaks from their normal behavior or crosses a significant boundary. This could involve violating laws, policies, or social norms in ways that signal a loss of self-control or escalation toward violence.
• Key Indicators:
  • Acts of aggression, vandalism, or harassment.
  • Explicit threats or declarations of intent to harm.
  • Violations of restraining orders or other legal restrictions.
• Prevention Focus:
  Law enforcement and mental health professionals should be involved at this stage to prevent further escalation.

6. Implementation

• Description:
  The individual carries out the planned violent act. At this stage, the pathway has reached its culmination, and the threat has become a reality.
• Key Indicators:
  • Active engagement in violent behavior.
  • Presence at the target location with weapons or other means of harm.
• Prevention Focus:
  While this stage represents a failure of prevention, immediate response protocols (e.g., lockdowns, law enforcement intervention) are critical to minimizing harm.

Why This Model Matters

The Pathway to Violence Model is valuable because it highlights the progression of behaviors that often precede acts of targeted violence. By understanding these steps, schools, workplaces, and communities can:

• Identify warning signs early.
• Implement interventions to disrupt the pathway.
• Prevent violence before it occurs.

Key Takeaways for SafeSchool|MAP℠

Incorporating the Pathway to Violence Model into your Dynamic Safety Score (DSS) framework could enhance your ability to detect and mitigate risks. For example:

• Behavioral Linguistic Analysis (BLA): Identify grievance and ideation in student communications.
• Digital Footprint Mapping (DFM): Detect research/planning activities online.
• Gamified Peer Reporting System (GPRS): Flag breaches in behavior reported by peers.
• Bio-Behavioral Stress Profiling (BBSP): Monitor physiological indicators of stress associated with the pathway.

By aligning your proprietary features with this model, you can create a proactive, data-driven approach to prevent school violence.

Conclusion

The 6-Step Pathway to Violence Model includes:

1. Grievance
2. Ideation
3. Research/Planning
4. Preparation
5. Breach
6. Implementation
   This model helps identify and mitigate threats by recognizing behavioral progression toward violence.