NCJ Number
196862
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 29 Issue: 5 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 617-658
Editor(s)
Kirk Heilbrun
Date Published
October 2002
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This article presents a model for prevention-based violence risk assessment that concentrates largely on research strategies that can be used to evaluate such a model.
Abstract
This article attempts to outline and describe an emerging model of prevention-based violence risk assessment and management, as well as discuss attendant clinical and research implications. A prevention-based paradigm for risk assessment includes evaluating persons on a comprehensive domain of established violence risk factors and selecting an appropriate risk level based partially on the number and nature of risk factors present. It draws on structured professional judgment rather than on actuarial prediction or unstructured clinical prediction. Its goal is to prevent violence through the assessment of relevant violence risk factors and the application of risk management and intervention strategies flowing directly from these factors. The article describes how risk management and violence prevention studies and systems could be designed through a four-step validation procedure that includes: (1) selection of risk factors; (2) connection between risk factors and violence; (3) the relation between decisions based on risk factors and violence; and (4) the relation between risk assessment and the prevention of violence. The utility of this model will be judged on whether it improves decision-making around violence risk, leading to better management plans. References