Preventing violent crimes: towards an evidence-based discourse

A new position paper issued by the German Association for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (DGPPN), developed with contributions from researchers at the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), presents the current state of scientific evidence and outlines concrete recommendations for effective prevention strategies.

Key findings of the position paper

Violent behavior typically results from a complex interaction of multiple factors: untreated psychiatric symptoms, substance use disorders, poverty, social isolation, trauma, young age, and male gender.

Certain mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, substance use disorders, severe personality disorders) are statistically associated with an increased risk of violence. However, even within these groups, violent acts remain rare.

It is not possible to reliably predict individual acts of violence. However, risk profiles can be identified and targeted through specific interventions.

Core recommendations

The position paper underscores the need for a fact-based and nuanced prevention strategy, which includes:

• Comprehensive, low-threshold access to medical and psychotherapeutic services, including outreach and needs-based flexible support.
• Expansion of community-based psychiatric services as accessible points of contact and early warning systems.
• Strengthening social participation through access to housing, employment, and social integration.

Not every publicly proposed measure is effective

The paper explicitly warns against measures that reinforce stigma without effectively reducing risk, such as registries for individuals with mental illness or indiscriminate data sharing with security authorities. Such measures are ineffective, legally questionable, and would only further increase societal stigma. As a result, those affected may be deterred from seeking help, which in turn raises the risk of untreated illness trajectories.

Contribution from DZPG researchers

Several researchers from the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) were actively involved in developing the position paper. The DZPG is committed to ensuring that violence prevention is grounded in scientific evidence and implemented accordingly. The overarching goal is to establish a care system that mitigates risks while avoiding further stigmatization.

You can find further information and the full position paper on the DGPPN website.