Forward by Robert M. Ekes, M.A

When we hear of an atrocity such as a mass murder in a mall, or a theater, or of someone's murderous rampage against children in a school it affects us all. We recoil in shock, disbelief, horror, and with many questions. What exactly happened? How did it happen? How was it allowed to happen? And most importantly what can be done to stop it from happening again?

In my own 25 year career as a clinical mental health therapist and consultant I treated many children, adolescents, and adults. I have been struck by the level of aggression and violence displayed by some people and I made efforts to study and research the origins of such aggressive behavior. Some of the research findings seem like common sense yet I am frequently dismayed that they don't appear to be recognized or utilized.

Upon reading Compulsion to Kill I was gratified to see that Stephen Challis is also aware of the research that I had seen in my own reviews of the professional literature. He discusses the findings and their significance. Mr. Challis also presents much more valuable information that we need to know as we search for answers and for antidotes to shocking violence that we see in our headlines.