Relationship Violence
Danger Assessment:

Jacquelyn C. Campbell, Ph.D., RN, FAAN

Several risk factors have been associated with homicides (murders) of both batterers and battered women in research conducted after the murders have taken place. We cannot predict what will happen in your case, but we would like you to be aware of the danger of homicide in situations of severe battering and for you to see how many of the risk factors apply to your situation.

Using the calendar, please mark the approximate dates during the past year when you were beaten by your husband or partner. Write on that date how bad the incident was according to the following scale:

1. Slapping, pushing; no injuries and/or lasting pain
2. Punching, kicking; bruises, cuts, and/or continuing pain
3. "Beating up"; severe contusions, burns, broken bones
4. Threat to use weapon; head injury, internal injury, permanent injury
5. Use of weapon; wounds from weapon

(If any of the descriptions for the higher number apply, use the higher number.)
Mark Yes or No for each of the following. ("He" refers to your husband, partner, ex-husband, ex-partner, or whoever is currently physically hurting you.)

____ 1. Has the physical violence increased in frequency over the past year?

____ 2. Has the physical violence increased in severity over the past year and/or has a weapon or threat from a weapon ever been used?

____ 3. Does he ever try to choke you?

____ 4. Is there a gun in the house?

____ 5. Has he ever forced you to have sex when you did not wish to do so?

____ 6. Does he use drugs? By drugs, I mean "uppers" or amphetamines, speed, angel dust, cocaine, "crack", street drugs or mixtures.

____ 7. Does he threaten to kill you and/or do you believe he is capable of killing you?

____ 8. Is he drunk every day or almost every day? (In terms of quantity of alcohol.)

____ 9. Does he control most or all of the your daily activities? For instance: does he tell
you who you can be friends with, how much money you can take with you shopping, or when you can take the car? (If he tries, but you do not let him, check here: ____)

____ 10. Have you ever been beaten by him while you were pregnant? (If you have never been pregnant by him, check here: ____)

____ 11. Is he violently and constantly jealous of you? (For instance, does he say "If I can't have you, no one can.")

____ 12. Have you ever threatened or tried to commit suicide?

____ 13. Has he ever threatened or tried to commit suicide?

____ 14. Is he violent toward your children?

____ 15. Is he violent outside of the home?

_____ Total "Yes" Answers

Thank you. Please talk to your nurse, advocate or counselor about what the Danger Assessment means in terms of your situation.

    Contact Us | Accreditation Statement

    © 2008 Shoreline Community College™
    16101 Greenwood Avenue North
    Shoreline, Washington 98133-5696