This chapter discusses risk assessment frameworks utilised by social work practitioners when working with clients experiencing domestic violence. The process and reasons behind risk assessment are discussed from social work and feminist perspectives. Practice skills that social workers employ when conducting a risk assessment are considered, particularly universalising, normalising, contextualising, consciousness-raising, and affirmation skills. Walsh's 1999 Domestic Violence Risk Assessment is explored, and emphasis is places on the need for an examination of perpetrator triggers, frequency, type, recency and severity of violence to determine the extent of control the offender has over the victim. Correlates of domestic violence are also discussed. Links are made between survivors of violence and self-harming behaviours, and the Barwon Health Suicide Risk Assessment Template is included in this risk assessment discussion.

In J. Maidment & R. Egan (Eds.). Practice skills in social work and welfare : more than just common sense 2004 : 127-145