NCJ Number
205986
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 10 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2004 Pages: 676-697
Editor(s)
Aysan Sev'er,
Myrna Dawson,
Holly Johnson
Date Published
June 2004
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This article outlines some of the controversies and questions regarding spousal assault risk assessment and provides recommendations for future research and policy initiatives.
Abstract
Risk assessment for spousal violence has become a much-discussed topic in the scientific and professional literatures, sometimes lagging behind the study of risk and dangerousness for criminal behavior. Even though there have been advances in the understanding of risk factors as they relate to spousal violence there remain numerous controversies and outstanding questions regarding risk assessment practice. This article outlines some of these issues and offers some recommendations for future research and policy initiatives. The article emphasizes the importance of bridging science and practice. The article assumes that spousal violence risk assessment is an important and viable venture. Six fundamental questions are posed and addressed to generate discussion and research to improve risk assessment practice: (1) what is risk; (2) how should risk assessments be conducted; (3) what should be the role of the victim in risk assessment; (4) who should conduct risk assessments; (5) how should risk be communicated and managed; and (6) how should risk assessments be evaluated? The questions have no definitive answers, but will hopefully generate some research activity and contribute toward a dialogue between scientists and practitioners. The intent is to improve the quality and accountability of the assessments produced. Properly applied, risk assessment can serve as a language for communicating concerns about the danger and the recommended steps for preventing violence. References