Every time there is a workplace shooting, hundreds of questions are asked including “is there a link between the shooter and any domestic violence?”. The answer is often “yes”, there is a history of domestic violence. As a business owner, manager or investigator, it is important that you understand how the two are connected.

Domestic Problems & Mass Shootings

While many workplace shootings are motivated by firings and other issues, there is a proven link between domestic problems and workplace and other mass killings.

A recent analysis of FBI data by the group Everytown for Gun Safety found that over a five-year period, 54 per cent of mass shootings were related to domestic or family violence and included the killing of a partner or other family member. While domestic violence is not a predictor for mass shootings, there does seem to be a connection.

In the workplace, this often manifests itself as a shooting of a domestic partner. The link can be a nasty divorce, custody issue, issues with other family members, domestic abuse, personal financial issues, or other family/domestic issues.

Do you suspect that an employee is using drugs? Download the free cheat sheet: How to Deal with Employee Drug Use.

People with a history of domestic abuse want to inflict pain on everyone and can bring it into the workplace in the form of a shooting or other act of violence.

Facts About Mass Shootings

Here are a few facts:

• From 2009 to 2016 in more than half of the mass shootings, the shooters killed intimate partners or other family members.
• Women in the United States are 16 times more likely to be killed with a gun than women in other high-income countries.
• Nearly one million women living in the United States today have been shot or shot at by an intimate partner.

Strategies for Addressing Domestic Violence

Understanding and dealing with the relationship of domestic violence and workplace shootings includes taking a pro-active approach. Your company needs to develop strategies to both support a victim of domestic violence and to address the perpetrator.

Do you know what to do if an active shooter enters your workplace? Watch the webinar: How to Respond to an Active Shooter in the Workplace.

People going thru a divorce or custody issue often attempt to hide their stress or anger but it will manifest itself in behavioral changes. Be aware of anyone who displays unusual behaviors including sudden changes in attendance.

Train your managers to be on the lookout for the following signs:

• calling in sick more often, which could be a sign of domestic abuse
• emotional changes including frequent crying
• slurring words or other signs of substance abuse
• anger issues
• not completing assignments
• anything else that stands out

"Zero Incidents" Philosophy

Additionally, you must develop a pro-active and “zero incidents” philosophy regarding workplace safety. Your plans should include active shooter training for managers and all employees.

You should also have on-site security measures including:

• locked doors (when possible)
• one point of entry
• written weapons policies
• security passes or other ways of identifying who has access to your workplace
• cameras and other electronic surveillance

Be aware of anyone stalking or hanging around your business or in your parking lot. It is also a good idea to have a relationship with first responders in your area and provide them with an electronic mapping of all buildings.

Domestic Violence Resources for Employees

You may also want to provide information on domestic violence to your employees. In addition to calling 911, they can contact the local police, sheriff, or other agency. There is also the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Victims of stalking can call 1-855-484-2846 or go online and chat with victimsofcrime.org.