Abstract
Little is known about assessing the risk of intimate partner homicide (IPH). Research has shown that women killed by an intimate
partner scored higher than abuse survivors in retrospectively measured risk for IPH. In this study, we examined the characteristics
of 146 men who committed an actual or attempted act of IPH. Of these, 42% had prior criminal charges, 15% had a psychiatric
history, and 18% had both; events which could feasibly have permitted a prior formal assessment of risk. We also identified
a subsample of 30 who could be scored on the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA; Hilton et al., Psychological Assessment, 16, 267–275, 2004). The mean ODARA score was at the 80th percentile of risk for domestic violence, although only 13 had a previously documented
partner assault. We conclude that co-operation among sectors responding to domestic violence and the shared use of validated
risk assessment will increase the prediction and potential prevention of IPH.
partner scored higher than abuse survivors in retrospectively measured risk for IPH. In this study, we examined the characteristics
of 146 men who committed an actual or attempted act of IPH. Of these, 42% had prior criminal charges, 15% had a psychiatric
history, and 18% had both; events which could feasibly have permitted a prior formal assessment of risk. We also identified
a subsample of 30 who could be scored on the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA; Hilton et al., Psychological Assessment, 16, 267–275, 2004). The mean ODARA score was at the 80th percentile of risk for domestic violence, although only 13 had a previously documented
partner assault. We conclude that co-operation among sectors responding to domestic violence and the shared use of validated
risk assessment will increase the prediction and potential prevention of IPH.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-010-9356-y
- Authors
- Angela W. Eke, Research Unit, Behavioural Sciences and Analysis Services, Ontario Provincial Police, 777 Memorial Avenue, Orillia, ON Canada L3V 7V3
- N. Zoe Hilton, Research Department, Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene, Penetanguishene, ON Canada
- Grant T. Harris, Research Department, Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene, Penetanguishene, ON Canada
- Marnie E. Rice, Research Department, Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene, Penetanguishene, ON Canada
- Ruth E. Houghton, Research Unit, Behavioural Sciences and Analysis Services, Ontario Provincial Police, 777 Memorial Avenue, Orillia, ON Canada L3V 7V3
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482