Assessing Dangerousness

Book excerpt: This updated edition of the classic book on risk assessment presents the latest research regarding the prediction of interpersonal violence. In clear and accessible language, the authors address the specific variables involved in the prediction of child abuse and homicide, as well as intimate partner violence and homicide. This edition also presents an important revision of Campbell's ground-breaking intimate partner homicide lethality risk instrument, the Danger Assessment. All of the contributors to this multidisciplinary volume have faced the difficult task of assessing the risk of family violence in a wide variety of settings--courts, clinics, shelters, emergency rooms, protective service offices, schools, batterer intervention programs, violence prevention programs, and more. Their combined experience in research and practice makes this an indispensable resource for all clinicians required to make predictions about violent behavior. Key features of this new edition include: Coverage of a wide breadth of clinical and court situations requiring threat assessments A review of the latest assessment instruments New findings on predicting fatal child abuse Legal and ethical issues in risk assessment