The Hidden Connection - How Domestic Violence Can Escalate into Mass Violence

A Wake-Up Call for Our Communities

When we hear about mass violence, we often think of isolated incidents, carried out by individuals whose actions seem unpredictable. However, a new report from the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) has uncovered something critical: many acts of mass violence are deeply rooted in a history of domestic violence. This revelation is not just alarming — it is a wake-up call. At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we know that violence thrives in silence. It’s time we connect the dots, break the silence, and prevent future tragedies before they begin.

New Insights from the U.S. Secret Service

On April 23, 2025, NTAC released a landmark case study titled First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs: A Case Study on the Link Between Domestic Violence and Mass Attacks. This chilling report examined the tragic 2017 mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, where 26 people lost their lives and 22 others were injured.

The findings were clear: The attacker had a longstanding history of domestic violence — abusing wives, children, animals, and engaging in harassment and threats long before the mass attack occurred.

The study also cited a key statistic:

41% of mass attackers have a known history of domestic violence.

This evidence demands that we rethink how we view domestic violence, not as a “private issue” but as a public safety issue with far-reaching consequences.

Understanding the Warning Signs - Domestic Violence as a Precursor

The case study highlighted several common warning behaviors in the attacker:

• Chronic domestic and sexual violence

• Threatening communications

• History of criminal behavior

• Harassment and stalking

• Abuse of vulnerable individuals and animals

  
  

These behaviors aren't isolated or harmless; they represent escalating patterns of control, anger, entitlement, and violence — patterns that can culminate in mass casualty events if left unchecked.

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we teach that violence is rarely a spontaneous act; it is often the culmination of a long, visible trail of red flags that have been ignored or minimized.

How Domestic Violence Impacts More Than One Victim

One of the most powerful truths from the NTAC report is this:

Domestic violence is never contained to just one victim. It fractures families, communities, and society at large.

When an individual uses violence to dominate or harm another, it sends shockwaves far beyond the immediate relationship. Children grow up wounded. Communities grow fearful. Cycles of violence are perpetuated. And in some heartbreaking cases, the violence spills over into the public sphere in devastating ways.

This is why D.O.V.E.S. Network®’s work matters — and why prevention efforts must be prioritized across every sector of society.

The Urgent Need for a Whole-of-Community Approach

Dr. Lina Alathari, Chief of NTAC, emphasized:

“There is a need for a whole-of-community approach to keep our neighbors, friends, and families safe.”

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we couldn’t agree more. Ending violence isn’t just the job of law enforcement or mental health professionals — it’s a collective responsibility. Parents. Educators. Faith leaders. Friends. Neighbors. Survivors. Advocates. We all play a role.

From prevention education in schools to trauma-informed support services to public awareness campaigns, we need comprehensive strategies that address the root causes of domestic violence before they escalate into broader tragedies.

How D.O.V.E.S. Network® Is Responding

At D.O.V.E.S. Network®, we are actively working to disrupt the patterns of violence through:

• Prevention Education - Teaching young people about healthy relationships, boundaries, and emotional regulation.

• Empowerment Programs - Equipping teens with tools to heal from trauma and build resilience.

• Intervention Services - Providing safe spaces for youth survivors of domestic violence to find support and restoration.

• Community Awareness Campaigns - Advocating for upstream interventions that prioritize prevention.

Our vision is bold: a world where every child feels safe, valued, and free from violence — and where early warning signs are not ignored but addressed with urgency and compassion.

What You Can Do - Prevention Starts with Awareness

Here’s how you can be part of the solution -

• Learn to Recognize the Warning Signs — Take threats, controlling behavior, and violence seriously.

• Speak Up — Silence protects abusers. If you see something, say something.

• Support Survivors — Believe survivors when they disclose abuse. Help connect them to resources.

• Advocate for Prevention — Push for funding, education, and policies that support trauma-informed interventions.

• Stay Informed — Follow research updates from credible sources like the U.S. Secret Service NTAC and D.O.V.E.S. Network®.

Final Thoughts - Together, We Can Break the Cycle

The Sutherland Springs tragedy reminds us that ignoring domestic violence doesn’t make it disappear — it allows it to grow.

But there is hope. Every act of awareness, every conversation about healthy relationships, every survivor supported — these actions matter. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and create safer homes, schools, and communities for future generations.

Call to Action

Want to make a difference?Join us in standing up against domestic violence before it escalates.

• Partner with us for Programming, whether in school, an organization, or the workplace.

• Host a Prevention Workshop at your school or organization

• Donate to fund lifesaving programs for youth survivors

• Stay Connected by subscribing to our newsletter