Flowchart: Assessing Abusers
1. Incident or Concern
- Domestic violence, assault, or child protection concern arises
→ Leads to evaluation
2. Legal / Criminal Justice Assessment
- Who: Court, probation officer, forensic psychologist
- When: After arrest, charge, or court referral
- Why: Determine risk, sentencing, and need for intervention
3. Batterer / Intervention Programs
- Who: Licensed therapists or program facilitators
- When: Before or during program participation (court-mandated or voluntary)
- Why: Identify abuse patterns, triggers, and treatment needs
4. Family Court / Child Protection
- Who: Social workers, family court evaluators, psychologists
- When: During custody or child protection proceedings
- Why: Assess risk to children or partners, inform custody/visitation decisions
5. Clinical / Mental Health Assessment
- Who: Psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors
- When: If abuser seeks therapy or is referred for mental health evaluation
- Why: Address mental health, anger management, and risk factors
Key Notes:
- Many assessments are mandated rather than voluntary.
- Early assessment helps prevent escalation, but often occurs after incidents.
- Professionals trained in abuse dynamics ensure accurate risk evaluation and intervention planning.
