[Risk assessment for domestic violence].

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to give a systematic overview of risk assessment instruments for the field of domestic violence. Six instruments were identified, which had been published in a peer-reviewed journal and for which validation studies exist: the Domestic Violent Screening Instrument (DVSI), the Danger Assessment (DA), the Spousal Assault Risk-Assessment (SARA), the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk-Assessment (ODARA), the Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG), and the Domestic Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (DVRAG). Their validity and practical use are discussed.