Misogynistic Males

Abstract

Scholars have begun to identify the links between incidents of mass murder and misogynistic behaviors. From the 2014 Isla Vista campus shootings in California through to an incident of mass violence with a van in Toronto in 2017, identifying as an “incel” has been cited as a motivating factor in the perpetrators' pre-attack writings. “Incel” stands for “involuntary celibates,” an online subculture of males displaying rage at females, expressing fandom for mass shooters, and fantasizing about violence. Further complicating matters is the frequent overlap between intimate partner violence and/or stalking with acts of mass violence. In this chapter, suggestions are advanced for ways to effectively assess the risk of mass violence when misogynistic behaviors are present. The potential use of risk assessment instruments is discussed, in addition to ways to devise an effective threat assessment system.