A key part of the conflict between the Incel Movement and the women it impacts, is the prevalence of gendered violence and the need for validation. Men who join the Incel Movement often cite a desire for societal validation and the lack of as a reason for them turning to violence. For incels, being in a relationship or 'sleeping with women' is one of the only ways to be accepted by their peers. Thus, when incels do commit acts of violence it is often targeted at women as a means for self-actualization and revenge.

Although not an official terrorist organization, the Incel Movement operates in ways that closely mirror many far-right extremist groups such as the Proud Boys. Since 2014, the Incel Movement has had several instances of documented terrorist attacks such as the attempted mass shooting of the 2018 Toronto vehicle ramming attack, the 2018 Tallahassee Hot Yoga studio in Florida, and the school shooting at Aztec High School, New Mexico. Additional accounts of interpersonal violence such as increases in sexual assault, stalking, and killings have also been linked to various incel forums and ideology.