UPDATE:  It has been announced that the cat in the animal mutilation case in Oct. was not killed intentionally by a human, instead police said it was another animal, according to the Ventura County Star on Oct. 26, 2015.

There have been some frightening incidents occurring in the news lately, from school shootings to animal mutilation cases; both of which are alarming because of how very possible it is for them to take place in your own hometown.

When seeing such events on the news, it is normal for the mind to begin to question its surroundings. We begin to ask ourselves, are we safe?

Well-known mass shooting include Columbine, 1999, Virginia Tech, 2007, Sandy Hook, 2012, Aurora Theater, 2012, Isla Vista, 2014, Charleston Church, 2015 and most recently, Umpqua, Oct. 2015.

Although not mass shootings, other incidents of violence that have occurred recently were two cases of animal mutilation in September and October in Simi Valley.

These last reports are frightening because of the known link between animal cruelty and human violence.

“The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented,” said a press release from the Humane Society, a nationwide animal protection organization, on Oct. 5. “Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.”

Daniel Vieira, a sociology professor at Moorpark, explained in an interview why this is so concerning.

“Talking about animal mutilation, that’s usually the first step in serial murder,” said Vieira. “They start doing things like hurting animals [and] they set fires because it’s destructive. What they’re doing is they’re practicing.”

According to Laura Forsyth, counseling psychologist at Moorpark, not all mutilation cases mean sociopathic behavior, but most will act out their pain and aggression against something that is helpless.

The offenders in these cases usually share a common disorder: antisocial personality disorder. They also share many common symptoms, such as being withdrawn from others, lacking empathy, asking inappropriate questions and becoming obsessed with a particular ideology, said Vieira.

The media often links mental illness to violence, portraying it as the cause, but how realistic are these accusations?

It is very unlikely that people with mental illnesses will commit violent acts. In fact, they are more likely to be the victim, according to Forsyth.

Only about 3 to 5 percent of violent incidents that occur are linked to a mental illness, according to Lindner Center of Hope’s website in an article published May 21, 2014.

It seems to me that the media, when it reports the tragedies on every channel and in every newspaper, creates an overwhelming fear that only adds negative stigma.

“There’s this perception problem, and it in no way diminishes the actual awfulness and unacceptability of [the event],” said Forsyth. “When things are horrific, they feel much more likely and dangerous than the more probable things that are less overwhelmingly horrible, like car accidents.”

When one perceives danger as far greater than it really is, they look at someone who acts different and think they are dangerous. That’s how violence leads to a greater stigma, according to Forsyth.

Joel Justice, the chief of police of the Ventura County Community College District, said when someone starts shooting, numerous reports are made to the emergency operators and a team of three to four officers try to encounter the shooter.

As for the faculty and students, Justice said to use the “run, hide, fight” technique: either get off campus, hide if you can’t leave or fight the shooter if he or she is in the same room.

As for prevention, the best way is to report something when you are concerned.

“The best way to keep our campus safe is if you see something that concerns you, say something,” said Forsyth. “Don’t ignore it, simply report your concern.”

One can report their concern to any faculty or to a police officer on campus. Once a report is made, the Behavioral Intervention Team, or B.I.T., will intervene and provide early intervention and evaluation of those whose behaviors seem concerning.

It is important to keep in mind that although these awful events are devastating and stir up a lot of emotion, they are rare and should not make you scared of walking across campus. It is inaccurate to blame, or be fearful, of those with mental illnesses. Instead, you should reach out and support those in need. The fear is only a result of the negative stigma surrounding the idea.

Resources such as an informative video can be found on your VCCCD portal, under the Student Services tab, at the bottom of the page in the campus safety section. Also on the district website is an anonymous tip line to report anything one may find dangerous or worrisome.

The phone number for the campus police is (805) 378-1455. Officers also provide escorts through campus to anyone who feels uncomfortable.

There are also three mental health practitioners on campus. Call the health center, (805) 378-1413, to schedule a free appointment.