When authorities evaluate whether a survivor is at high risk, they use standardized tools to measure the likelihood of serious harm, repeated abuse, or escalation. Two commonly used tools are:
1. VPR – Valoración de Riesgo Policial (Police Risk Assessment)
- Purpose: Used by police officers to assess the immediate risk to victims of domestic violence.
- Application: Conducted at the scene of an incident or during follow-up investigations.
- Focus:
- History of abuse (frequency, severity)
- Threats, stalking, or harassment patterns
- Use of weapons or threats of lethal violence
- Behavioural indicators of obsession or coercion
- Victim’s perception of fear and danger
- Outcome: Classifies the risk as low, medium, or high, which guides police response and preventive measures (like emergency restraining orders, supervision, or referral to specialized courts).
2. VRA – Valoración de Riesgo Ajustada (Adjusted Risk Assessment)
- Purpose: A follow-up or more detailed assessment that refines the initial police evaluation.
- Application: Often used by the Domestic Violence Court, prosecutors, or specialized social services.
- Focus:
- Long-term risk factors and patterns of coercive control
- Mental health or substance abuse issues in the abuser
- Previous breaches of protective measures
- Children’s exposure to violence
- Socio-environmental factors (family, social support, isolation)
- Outcome: Provides a risk-adjusted score to inform protective measures, monitoring, and court interventions.
How These Assessments Affect Protective Measures
- High-risk cases identified via VPR or VRA can trigger:
- Enhanced restraining orders (prohibiting contact, home access)
- Police or court monitoring
- Electronic monitoring (GPS bracelets)
- Temporary custody arrangements
- Emergency housing for the survivor
- Ongoing updates: Risk assessments are repeated if circumstances change or new threats arise, ensuring protections remain appropriate.
Key Point: VPR and VRA are scientifically structured tools that help police and courts objectively identify high-risk situations, allowing authorities to prioritize resources and protect survivors effectively.
