Violence
What does “history of violence” mean in a risk assessment?
A pattern of past physical aggression or serious threats that increases future risk.
What is “antisocial behavior” (besides violence)?
Behaviors that disregard rules/others’ rights (lying, stealing, intimidation, repeated rule-breaking).
What does "H3: a history of problems with relationships" focus on?
Long-term patterns of unstable, conflictual, or harmful relationships.
What does a "history of problems with employment" measure?
Patterns of unemployment, instability, poor work functioning, or inability to keep roles/responsibilities.
What is a “risk factor”?
Something that increases the chance of a negative outcome (like violence), especially when it shows a pattern.
True or False: Only convictions count as a “history of violence.”
False — arrests, charges, credible reports, and documented incidents can count too.
Give one example of antisocial behavior that isn’t violent.
Theft, fraud, chronic rule violations, drug dealing, vandalism, harassment, or repeated serious lying.
Name one type of relationship problem that would show on this risk factor?
Frequent breakups, restraining orders, domestic conflict, isolation, exploitation, or repeated intense conflict.
What’s one sign of “employment instability”?
Many short-term jobs, repeated firing/quitting, frequent conflict with supervisors or peers, frequent no-shows, or long gaps without employment.
True or False: Risk factors predict exactly what a person will do.
False — they estimate probability and guide treatment/supervision planning.
What kind of information is most helpful for rating H1 accurately?
Details on frequency, severity, victims, context, triggers, and whether weapons were involved.
True or False: “Antisocial behavior” only means having Antisocial Personality Disorder.
False — it describes behaviors; a diagnosis is not required.
True or False: “No friends” automatically means this risk factor is present.
False — it depends on why (choice vs. conflict, isolation due to symptoms, fear, hostility, etc.).
True or False: Being unemployed is always the person’s fault in this risk factor.
False — mental illness symptoms, disability, lack of skills, transportation, or environment can contribute.
Which matters more for risk planning: one detail or a pattern across time?
The pattern across time (frequency, consistency, and context).
What does it suggest if violence has happened across multiple settings (school, community, hospital)?
Higher concern—violence may be generalized and not limited to one environment.
True or False: this risk factor only covers adulthood
False: Childhood, Adolescence, and early adulthood.
What relationship pattern is especially concerning for risk?
Repeated conflict that escalates, controlling/jealous behavior, threats, stalking, or violence in relationships.
Why might employment issues matter in a violence risk assessment?
Instability increases stress, reduces routine/prosocial ties, and can worsen symptoms or impulsive decisions.
What is one protective factor that can reduce risk even when H1–H4 are present?
Treatment engagement, stable housing, supportive relationships, coping skills, supervision, or structured routine.
What does “pattern” mean when rating H1?
Repeated behavior over time (not a one-time mistake), often starting early and showing consistency.
What’s a key difference between H1 and H2?
H1 = violence/threats; H2 = other rule-breaking or harmful behaviors that may be non-violent.
Why can relationship problems increase violence risk?
Conflict and rejection can trigger anger, jealousy, hopelessness, or retaliation—especially without coping skills.
What’s the difference between “can’t work” and “won’t work” in H4?
“Can’t” = barriers like symptoms/disability; “won’t” = refusal, rule-breaking, poor effort, or conflict patterns.
What’s the best treatment-team use of H1–H4 information?
Target triggers, build skills, strengthen structure/supports, and set realistic goals for safer community living.