Definition
A statement or other communication that expresses an intent to inflict physical harm on a person or a group of people. Violent threats may be direct, such as threats to kill or maim another person; they may also be indirectly implied through metaphor, analogy or other rhetoric that allows the speaker plausible deniability about their meaning or intent.
Background
If you or others are in immediate physical danger, call the local police immediately.
Violent threats encompass any communications that express an intent to cause physical harm or violence towards individuals or groups. This can manifest in various forms, including direct threats against someone’s life, implicit threats that suggest harm without explicit statements, and symbolic threats conveyed through images or symbols known to represent violence.
A threat of violence or intimidation may be received through direct messaging or social media. It may include threats of blackmail or adverse consequences if the recipient does not comply.
If an electronic threat is received, always counsel the user to contact emergency services immediately if they feel threatened. Do not delete the message unless it is vital to the end user that the message be removed. Hide it, or hide the account, in a manner that the message is not publicly visible and preserve it for reference. Forensic examination may uncover important details. Immediately notify law enforcement. Print, photograph, or copy the message, subject line, date, and time. Preserve all electronic evidence.
Guidance
Treat any threat of violence with high priority and urgency. Quickly assess the report to determine the immediate risk to individuals or the community.
If you or others are in immediate physical danger, call the local police immediately.
The Council of Europe identifies cyber violence, which may include credible threats of violence, as actions that cause severe emotional distress and the fear of physical harm, often executed through a persistent and repeated course of conduct targeted at specific individuals. In the United States, a credible threat of violence is defined as intentionally communicating something in a manner that would make a reasonable person afraid for their safety or the safety of their family. This includes actions like stalking or sending harassing messages over any period, even if brief.
Carefully review the reported content to understand the context and severity of the threat. Determine whether it is a direct threat, an indirect or implied threat, or potentially not a threat at all.
Adhere strictly to your community’s policies regarding violent threats. These policies should guide your actions, whether it involves removing the content, suspending the account, and/or escalating the issue to law enforcement.
Keep detailed records of the reported content, your assessment, and the actions taken. Documentation is essential for accountability and may be necessary for legal reasons or further investigation.
If the threat is credible and poses an immediate risk, escalate it accordingly, this may involve notifying senior moderators, administrators, or external authorities, such as law enforcement.
Handle all user information and content with confidentiality and respect for privacy, in line with your server’s privacy policy and relevant data protection laws.
Inform the reporting user of the actions taken, within the bounds of privacy and safety considerations. Ensure communication is clear, professional, and empathetic. If appropriate, provide the affected or reporting user with information on support services, such as helplines or resources for dealing with threats and harassment.
Dealing with violent speech can be traumatic. Recognise the emotional impact that dealing with violent threats can have on moderators. Ensure you and your colleagues have access to mental health resources and support.
Example Rule
Any statements, images, or symbols that express an intent to cause physical harm towards individuals or groups are prohibited and will be removed immediately. Users making violent threats may be permanently suspended, and credible threats will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Discussion
Discuss this label in the Violent Threat forum.
