If You See Something, Say Something
Campus violence prevention depends in large part on the referrals of the university community – students, employees, and visitors– to keep Loyola University a safe and enriching campus for all who live, study, and work here. It is the responsibility of the entire university community to keep Loyola safe. Loyola’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT) can only respond if it is made aware of a situation.
Contact University Police (504-865-3434) IMMEDIATELY if there is imminent risk to self or others.
What Should I Report?
Please note these lists of examples are NOT all-inclusive and this information is not intended to be used as a checklist. These examples are meant to help you identify potential concerns during your daily interactions with others.
"Leakage"
Perpetrators often exhibit indicators referred to as “leakage” before an act of violence. For example:
- a student may see disturbing social media posts made by a friend,
- a professor may receive a student’s work with unusually violent or targeted thematic content, or
- a favorite staff member might receive an email suggesting he/she stay home for the day.
Concerning Behaviors
There are behavioral indicators that may demonstrate an increased risk of violence, significant disruption to others, or that a person is in need of assistance. These behaviors may include:
- Attempts to harm or kill self
- Unexplained increases in absenteeism
- Decreased performance in work or academics
- Resistance to change or reasonable limits
- Over-reaction to changes in policies/procedures
- Extreme or sudden changes in behaviors
- Numerous conflicts with others
- Difficulty learning from past behaviors or experiences
- Displays of paranoia or distrust
- Alienation of others or isolating self from others
- Making statements indicating approval of use of violence to resolve a problem
- Identifying with or idolizing persons who have engaged in violence toward others.
"Trigger" Events
There are certain precipitating events that may trigger violent behavior. Precipitating events may be real, perceived, or anticipated by the subject of concern. Some examples of these triggers are:
- Losses (such as):
- Job/Income
- Status
- Significant other/relationship
- Perceived rejection or injustice
- Ostracized by others
- Health problems (e.g., head injuries, changes in medication).
Domestic Violence, Custody Disputes and Stalking
Persons leaving abusive domestic situations, involved in custody disputes that are now or appear likely to become violent, and/or experiencing stalking, are at increased risk of being the subject of violent acts. These community members are asked to inform the Loyola University Police Department (LUPD) of these situations immediately. LUPD and TAT can assist by providing resources, access to legal assistance, help with obtaining restraining orders, as well as other assistance specific to each situation. Individuals who have restraining orders in place against another individual should provide LUPD with a copy of the restraining order.
When in Doubt, Please Report
The potential impact of any one behavior or circumstance is challenging to determine. It is better for TAT to review 10 cases that do not indicate future violent behavior, than to be unaware of one that does. TAT is trained to analyze the situation in the context of all of the disclosed facts and respond as appropriate.
Good Faith = No Fault
As long as a report is made in good faith, there will be no fault placed on the reporting person. TAT encourages all members of the community to report situations that they believe may pose, or reasonably pose, a threat to the community. TAT will assess all concerns that are shared and determine whether a response is needed.
What Happens Next?
When TAT receives a report of a possible threat, the team will assess to determine if a TAT response is needed. ALL reports are assessed, but not all reports will indicate a potential for violence. Reports that do not indicate the potential for violence will be forwarded to the appropriate office or personnel for handling. Due to the volume of reports received, and the need for discretion, TAT may not always follow up with the person making a report. Please be assured, however, that ALL reports are reviewed.