NCJ Number
182347
Journal
Trauma, Violence, and Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2000 Pages: 171-181
Date Published
April 2000
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This review of instruments used for risk assessment for perpetrators of domestic assault notes that a consensus exists regarding the important factors to consider and concludes that the four instruments with published validity data all predict risk for future spouse abuse with some accuracy.
Abstract
The four instruments reviewed are the Danger Assessment Scale, the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment, the Propensity for Abusiveness Scale, and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. The factors considered important in assessing risk include a history of assaultive behavior, generally antisocial behaviors and attitudes, stability of relationships, stability of employment, mental health and personality disorder, childhood abuse, motivation for treatment, and attitudes toward women. Empirically validated risk assessment instruments should represent one part of the constellation of decision factors used to make determinations of risk. Evaluators also should always consider the implications for risk management, regardless of the risk measure being used. The risk management plan should focus on specific risk assessment variables. Properly applied risk assessment can serve as the basis for release planning, treatment, and safety assessment for the victim. However, improperly applied risk assessment can mislead the courts, victims, and offenders into falsely believing in an infallible science that does not yet exist. Nevertheless, the judicious, ethical, and professional application of risk assessment instruments has a useful role in protecting abused spouses. Tables, note, author biographies, and 63 references