Assessing Danger
Some domestic violence is life threatening. All domestic violence is dangerous, but some abusers are more likely to kill than others and some are more likely to kill at specific times. The likelihood of homicide is greater when these factors are present.
- Threats of homicide or suicide. The abuser has threatened to kill him/herself, the victim, the children, relatives, friends, or others.
- Fantasies of homicide or suicide. The more detailed the plan and the more available the method, the greater the risk.
- Weapons. The abuser possesses weapons and has threatened to use them in the past against the victim, the children, or him/herself. If the abuser has a history of arson, fire should be considered a weapon.
- "Ownership" of the victim. The abuser says things like "If I can't have you no one can!" or "I would rather see you dead than have you divorce me!" The abuser believes s/he is absolutely entitled to the obedience and loyalty of the victim.
- Centrality of victim to the abuser. The abuser idolizes the victim, depends heavily on him/her to organize and sustain the abuser's life, or has isolated him/herself from others.
- Separation violence. Abuser believes s/he is about to lose the victim.
- Repeated outreach to law enforcement. There is a history of violence, as indicated by calls to the police.
- Escalation of risk-taking. The abuser begins to act without regard to legal or social consequences that previously constrained his/her violence.
- Hostage-taking. Between 75% and 90% of all hostage taking in the U.S. is related to domestic violence.
Other indicators:
- Acute depression or other mental health problems
- Drug or alcohol consumption
- Pet abuse