Assessing Risk of Family Violence

It is important to assess how much danger a person is in when they are experiencing family violence. This is called a risk assessment. It helps keep the person safe.

Some signs show a person is in serious danger. These include:

• Breaking up with their partner recently
• Being threatened with death
• Being strangled
• The abuser having weapons (like knives or guns)

These are signs that the person needs help quickly. Services can make a safety plan. This can include:

• Finding a safe place to live
• Getting legal help (like a court order to stay away)
• Support from trained workers

Sometimes, a person may not realise how serious their situation is. A risk assessment helps everyone understand how dangerous the situation may be.

Faith leaders (like monks, pastors, imams, or elders) are often the first people someone talks to. This is because of trust, privacy, and cultural reasons.

Faith leaders can help by:

• Knowing the signs of danger
• Helping the person get urgent help (like emergency housing or calling the police)
• Knowing when to speak to a professional