Citation

Khan R, Willan VJ, Lowe M, Robinson P, Brooks M, Irving M, Stokes R, Graham-Kevan N, Karwacka M, Bryce J. Safer Communities 2015; 14(4): 203-211.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing)

DOI

10.1108/SC-05-2015-0020

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

PURPOSE There is a body of evidence that suggests a range of psychosocial characteristics demarcate certain adults to be at an elevated risk for victimisation. The purpose of this paper is to examine consistency between one police force, and a corresponding Victim Support service based in England, in their assessment of level of risk faced by victims of violent crime.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH This study explored matched data on 869 adult victims of violent crime gathered from these two key services in Preston, namely, Lancashire Constabulary and Victim Support, from which a sub-group of comparable "domestic violence" cases (n=211) were selected for further examination.

FINDINGS Data analyses revealed methodological inconsistencies in the assessment of victimisation resulting in discrepancies for recorded levels of risk in domestic violence cases across these two agencies. Practical implications These findings provide a compelling argument for developing a more uniformed approach to victim assessment and indicate a significant training need.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE This paper highlights areas of good practice and forwards several recommendations for improved practice that emphasises the integration of empirical research conducted by psychologists to boost the validity and reliability of risk assessment approaches and tools used.

Language: en

Keywords

Domestic violence; MARACs; Police; Risk assessment; Victim Support; Victims