Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool, Exams of Family psychology

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Domestic Violence

Safety Assessment

Tool

Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT)

For use by non-government service providers and government agencies other than NSW Police

Force.

The DVSAT has primarily been designed for use in intimate partner violence situations. Service

providers who decide to use the DVSAT in other situations should be mindful that some of

the questions in Part A might not be relevant. Service providers should use their professional

judgement about the appropriateness of individual questions.

The DVSAT does not change or replace existing child protection obligations and procedures.

Client’s name:

Client’s date of birth:

Completed by:

Signature:

Date:

PART A: Risk identification checklist

Violence toward client

Risk indicator Yes No Unknown

Refused

to

answer

Source of

information

if not client

(e.g. Police)

1. Has your partner ever

threatened to harm or kill you?

2. Has your partner ever used

physical violence against you?

3. Has your partner ever choked,

strangled or suffocated you or attempted to do any of these things?

4. Has your partner ever

threatened or assaulted you with any weapon (including knives and/or other objects)?

5. Has your partner ever harmed

or killed a family pet or threatened to do so?

6. Has your partner ever been

charged with breaching an apprehended domestic violence order?

Children

Risk indicator Yes No Unknown

Refused

to

answer

Source of

information

if not client

(e.g. Police)

19. Are you pregnant and/or do you

have children who are less than 12 months apart in age?

20. Has your partner ever

threatened or used physical violence toward you while you were pregnant?

21. Has your partner ever harmed

or threatened to harm your children?

22. Is there any conflict between

you and your partner regarding child contact or residency issues and/or current Family Court proceedings?

23. Are there children from a

previous relationship present in the household?

Sexual assault

24. Has your partner ever done

things to you, of a sexual nature, that made you feel bad or physically hurt you?

25. Has your partner ever been

arrested for sexual assault?

Total number of indicators

1 or more ‘yes’ answers = at threat

12 or more ‘yes’ answers = at serious threat

PART B: Professional judgement

How fearful is the client of their partner? (Select one) Not afraid^ Afraid^ Terrified^

Unable/ unwilling to answer

What concerns did the client express? What did the client think the partner might do and to whom? Do you believe any children in the household are at risk of harm?

If yes, what action have you taken? Confirm that you have met your mandatory reporting obligations. Are you aware of any other additional factors, circumstances or details which make you believe overall there is a threat or serious threat to the safety of the client and/or children? Consider issues such as the client’s situation in relation to disability, substance misuse, mental health issues, cultural/ language barriers; whether they are willing to engage with a support service; whether the perpetrator’s occupation or interests has given them unique access to weapons, or if there is involvement with Community Services (FACS).

Threat Level Select appropriate level based on Part A result and/or Part B result

At threat At serious threat

Action Required ■■^ Make referrals and provide support as required. ■ ■ For clients at serious threat, address immediate safety needs and make a referral to a Safety Action Meeting where available.

NOTE: Clients’ answers to the DVSAT may differ over time depending on a number of factors. In the context of domestic violence, different responses do not necessarily indicate decreased threat or unreliable report- ing by clients.