Journal of clinical psychology
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Psychologists and other mental health professionals practicing in essentially all clinical settings are called on to assess and manage clients who may pose a risk of violence to third parties. Over the past 25 years much has been learned about the relationship between violence and mental disorder, and about assessing violence risk. In this article risk factors for violence among persons with mental disorder are reviewed, clinical assessment strategies are discussed, and a model for thinking about treatment and other types of interventions designed to minimize violence risk is offered.
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The extent and potential dangerousness of the problem of domestic violence warrants systematic screening and assessment in all mental health settings. Few empirical studies have approached the question of domestic violence with the aim of identifying risk markers, making it impossible to identify a particular characteristic or set of characteristics that can be used to identify individuals at risk for perpetrating or becoming the victims of domestic violence. However, there are a number of factors that have been identified as correlates of domestic violence that may eventually prove useful for identifying individuals at risk, but the extant literature does not provide the empirical support at this time. ⋯ Ongoing assessment in the context of knowledge regarding correlates of domestic violence can provide important information for evaluating risk of a particular violent incident. In addition, we outline strategies for assessing violence and violence risk in both perpetrators and victims in order to assist clinicians in approaching this difficult topic in a clinical setting. A careful assessment of the potential for violence within clients' ongoing relationships is necessary for clinicians to provide appropriate clinical care.