Which risk assessment tools are identified as used for lethality in domestic violence cases?

• A. The Danger Assessment (DA) and the Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA) or ODARA as appropriate.
• B. The Spousal Assault Risk Assessment (SARA) and ODARA alone.
• C. The Danger Assessment (DA) alone.
• D. A general risk screening tool used in public safety.

Answer: (C)

Assessing imminent danger in domestic violence hinges on tools designed specifically to identify lethal risk. The Danger Assessment is built to gauge how likely a survivor is to face lethal or near-fatal harm by focusing on cues of imminent danger and escalation. It covers factors such as threats, stalking, access to firearms, escalation of violence, fear, pregnancy, and prior homicide threats, helping practitioners tailor safety planning and interventions to the highest-risk situations.

Other instruments like SARA or ODARA are valuable for forecasting general future violence risk, but they are not primarily focused on lethality risk in the near term. A general risk screening tool used in public safety is too broad and not DV-specific. Because the Danger Assessment directly targets factors most predictive of lethal outcomes in domestic violence, it is the tool identified for lethality risk.