Uncovering the gaps: Violence risk assessment tools and their validity among Australian First Nations adults with mental disorders.

Abstract

BackgroundThere is ongoing debate on the cultural appropriateness of violence risk assessment tools, particularly for marginalised populations such as Australian First Nations peoples, in determining court outcomes.ObjectiveThis scoping review aims to evaluate existing validated violence risk assessment tools for use among Australian First Nations adults with diagnosed mental disorders.DesignA search across databases, including PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Web of Science, identified 1202 studies, of which 31 met eligibility criteria. Two studies were ultimately included.ResultsThe review found two studies examining the cultural appropriateness of these tools, both highlighting a significant lack of cultural validation. Existing instruments were criticised for potentially misidentifying violence risk in First Nations populations.ConclusionsThe scarcity of studies underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive research and validation of risk assessment tools for Australian First Nations adults. This review questions the ethics of using unvalidated tools in sentencing and advocates for developing culturally appropriate methodologies for First Nations populations.