Intimate partner violence risk assessment and management

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Criminology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) risk assessment is vital for managing perpetrators.
• Current scientific understanding and practical application of IPV risk assessment are nascent.
• Guidelines are needed for the Military Family Advocacy Program (FAP) to treat domestic violence offenders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on risk assessment for intimate partner violence.
• To inform the development of treatment guidelines for domestic violence offenders within the Military FAP.
• To identify key issues and controversies in IPV risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific articles and professional practices.
• Analysis of risk factors, assessment models, and existing instruments.
• Examination of the victim's role, assessor qualifications, and risk communication/management strategies.

Main Results:

• The field of IPV risk assessment is in its early stages of development.
• Various components of risk assessment, including factors, models, and instruments, are discussed.
• Critical issues such as victim involvement and assessor competence are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Further research and standardization are necessary to advance the science and practice of IPV risk assessment.
• Developing robust guidelines requires addressing the complexities of risk factors, assessment tools, and management strategies.
• Effective risk assessment and management are essential for improving interventions for intimate partner violence perpetrators.