Intimate partner violence risk assessment

Abstract

The science and practice of violence risk assessment have grown in response to the enormous problem of Intimate partner violence (IPV). This chapter reviews what is known about risk factors for IPV. It considers two main sections: perpetrator risk factors and victim considerations. The chapter deals with suggestions for a process whereby offender- and victim-based information can be integrated into a comprehensive risk management plan. Threats of violence are clearly relevant to risk assessment; it is common sense to consider threatening behaviour when conducting an IPV risk assessment, but there is also empirical support for this risk factor. Many professionals have observed that risk of violence appears to be highest for spousal assaulters when relationship problems are evident. Employment problems are associated with risk for criminality and general violence. A victim who has difficulty establishing or maintaining stable relationships with family, friends, or acquaintances is potentially isolated from sources of positive social support.