Intimate Partner Violence and Victim-Survivors' Self-Assessed Risk of Revictimisation: A Systematic Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) revictimisation has severe consequences for victim-survivors.
• Accurate risk assessment aids in implementing preventive safety measures.
• Existing tools have variable accuracy and often neglect victim-survivors' perceived risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize evidence on intimate partner violence (IPV) victim-survivors' self-assessed risk of revictimisation.
• To explore the predictive validity of self-assessed risk and associated risk factors.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across four electronic databases.
• Qualitative and quantitative studies were included if they reported on self-assessed risk and revictimisation.
• Data were extracted and a narrative synthesis was performed on 14 identified studies.

Main Results:

• Eight studies examined the predictive validity of self-assessed risk, with six finding an association with actual revictimisation.
• Thirty-two factors were associated with self-assessed risk, notably IPV experiences and perpetrator substance abuse.
• Victim-survivors' self-assessed risk can be an accurate predictor of future violence.

Conclusions:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) victim-survivors' self-assessed risk of revictimisation is a valuable indicator.
• Factors such as prior IPV experiences and perpetrator substance abuse are linked to self-assessed risk.
• Further research into self-assessed risk is warranted to improve safety planning and interventions.