Von der Risikoeinschätzung zur Risikokommunikation

Abstract

The field of risk assessment was long dominated by the view that the scientific focus should be on the analysis of accuracy. The methods under investigation were considered valid if they succeeded in distinguishing recidivists from non-recidivists with a sufficient degree of accuracy. The forensic risk assessment process is part of a more complex event that has implications for different parties. The result of the risk assessment must be communicated to different audiences. Forensic risk assessment is thus the basis of forensic risk communication, which in turn is the basis of forensic intervention or risk management. We recommend that forensic risk communication be guided by Fischhoff's (1995) model. This is a seven-stage model to which we add reference literature from forensic research. Key questions are provided to facilitate the application of the model to practical work.