This framework helps evaluate risk levels in relationships or environments where abuse and compulsive/ritualistic behaviours intersect.

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1️⃣ Assess the Type and Severity of Abuse

Abuse Type	Key Indicators	Risk Implication
Physical	Hitting, choking, pushing, slapping	Immediate risk of injury or escalation
Emotional / Mental	Gaslighting, verbal threats, humiliation	High risk of psychological trauma, anxiety, PTSD
Financial	Controlling money, restricting access to resources	Medium-high risk of dependence, entrapment, isolation

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2️⃣ Assess Trauma-Driven / Compulsive Behaviours

Behaviour	Key Indicators	Risk Implication
Repetitive rituals	Tapping, checking, arranging objects	Low if self-contained; High if used to control others
Symbolic / Superstitious actions	Marks, gestures, patterns, avoidance of numbers	Low individually; High if used coercively or with aggression
Safety rituals	Locking/unlocking, repeated checks	Low if self-regulating; High if paired with abusive control
Paranoid ideation	Believing others are plotting harm	Moderate risk alone; High if paired with aggression
Hypervigilance	Constant scanning, startle responses	Low if self-protective; High if combined with abuse

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3️⃣ Assess Behaviour Combination Risk

Behaviour Combination	Risk Mechanism	Risk Level
Physical + Repetitive / Ritualistic	Unpredictable escalation, coercion	🔴 Extreme
Physical + Hypervigilance / Paranoia	Sudden aggression, threat misinterpretation	🔴 Extreme
Mental + Symbolic / Superstitious	Psychological manipulation, control	🔴 Severe
Financial + Safety / Rituals	Entrapment, enforced dependence	🔴 High
Abuse + All compulsive behaviours	Maximum unpredictability, constant fear	🔴 Extreme

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4️⃣ Early Warning Signs

• Escalating anger or physical aggression
• Rituals or compulsions controlling others’ behaviour
• Threats linked to rituals or superstitions
• Isolation from support networks
• Rapid attachment or emotional intensity
• Walking on eggshells consistently

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5️⃣ Safety Assessment & Planning

• Immediate Danger: Physical abuse or credible threats → call authorities or leave environment
• High Psychological Risk: Emotional abuse + coercion → limit exposure, document incidents, seek support
• Moderate Risk: Compulsive behaviours without aggression → monitor, set boundaries, maintain autonomy
• Support & Resources: Trauma-informed therapists, domestic abuse hotlines, legal advice, social support

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🔑 Key Principles

1. Compulsive / ritual behaviours are adaptive for the abuser but increase risk when combined with abuse.
2. Physical, mental, and financial abuse is always high-risk.
3. The more behaviours are combined, the higher the danger level.
4. Safety, boundaries, and early intervention are critical.
5. Documentation and external support systems improve safety.

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