An overview of partner violence risk assessment and the potential role of female victim risk appraisals

The requirement for accurate appraisals of risk for intimate partner violence has increased with the implementation of pro-arrest policies in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. During the last 10 years, there has been some progress made in terms of the development of actuarial risk assessment instruments, thus providing alternatives to the previously available structured professional judgment approach. In light of these developments, practitioners need information regarding the reliability and validity of such approaches. In addition, research highlights the potential validity of victim appraisals of risk. The aim of this paper, therefore, is to review the existing literature regarding the practice of risk assessment in this field, with emphasis placed on the validity of currently available risk assessment tools, as well as the predictive validity of victim's own appraisal of this risk. Directions for future research are examined along with the implications of the current evidence base for risk assessment practice.

Research highlights
► Few options exist for the risk assessment of partner violence.
► There exists limited evidence of the reliability and validity of available schemes.
► Victims provide unique insights into risk.
► Victim appraisals of risk should be taken seriously.
► Greater understanding of risk and protective factors is needed.