Often people who act violently have trouble controlling their feelings. They may have been hurt by others. Some think that making people fear them through violence or threats of violence will solve their problems or earn them respect. This isn't true. People who behave violently lose respect. They find themselves isolated or disliked, and they still feel angry and frustrated. If you see these immediate warning signs, violence is a serious possibility: loss of temper on a daily basis frequent physical fighting significant vandalism or property damage increase in use of drugs or alcohol increase in risk-taking behavior detailed plans to commit acts of violence announcing threats or plans for hurting others enjoying hurting animals carrying a weapon If you notice the following signs over a period of time, the potential for violence exists: a history of violent or aggressive behavior serious drug or alcohol use gang membership or strong desire to be in a gang access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns threatening others regularly trouble controlling feelings like anger withdrawal from friends and usual activities feeling rejected or alone having been a victim of bullying poor school performance history of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority feeling constantly disrespected failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others