Summary
This report provides an understanding of intimate partner violence risk assessment tools and of the issues that assessors should consider when choosing an assessment instrument. It begins with a discussion of the general use of risk assessment tools, their use in the criminal justice system in general and in cases of intimate partner violence specifically. The different approaches of risk assessment are then discussed, as are factors to consider when choosing a tool. The strengths and limitations of the various approaches and of risk assessment tools in general are also explored. The report also contributes to a better understanding of the range of risk assessment tools that are used by the various professionals working in the area of intimate partner violence.