1. Learning Unit 3
Risk and Lethality:Victim and Abuser Dynamics
A mini content lecture designed as a supplemental learning resource for CRJ 461 by Bonnie Black.

2. Who is the Abuser
Appearances can
be deceiving!
3. Stereotypes Exist
What is a "wife beater" shirt?
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4. Abusers Develop Strategies That:
Hide emotional vulnerability and skill deficits.
Create a conscious deception to protect image pattern.
Prevent real character and weaknesses from being exposed.
Calculated
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5. Abuser Characteristics
Limited Tolerance for Change
Dependent/ Insecure
No Delayed Reinforcement
Low Self-Esteem
No Boundaries
Dysfunctional Family
Avoids Facts
Better/Different Than Others
Use Anger to Intimidate/Control
Cant Express Emotions
Views Family as Ownership
Avoids Responsibility
Entitled
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6. Defendant Statements
Pick out the key words!
Think about It!
Is there minimization and attempts to avoid responsibility?
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7. Defendant Statement - #1
I became angry and so did she.We started arguing.I hit her with a tire iron, but didnt mean to.I was just trying to scare her.I love my wife and believe she exaggerated her injuries.
Hit in back w/tire iron
I became angry and so did she.We started arguing.
I hit her with a tire iron, but didnt mean to. I was just
trying to scare her. I love my wife and believe she
exaggerated her injuries.
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8. Defendant Statement - #2
It was one of those family arguments in which I was coming home from a basketball game and I was accused of being around other women.Arguing started which ended up to this.
Victim hit in head with ax handle
It was one of those family arguments in which I was
coming home from a basketball game and I was accused
of being around other women.Arguing started which
ended up to this.
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9. Defendant Statement - #3
My wife and I had stopped communicating so I set
up a tape recorder to record her phone calls so I
could find out what was bothering her.As I listened to the tape, I found out my wife was having an affair.I
was angry and fearful at the same time I confronted
her with the tape.I yelled at her and pushed her to
the couch and floor a couple times.I waved my gun
at her and noticed it was cocked.I did not want it to
go off and I attempted to de-cock it.My hands
were shaking so badly, they slipped and
the gun accidentally discharged.
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10. Defendant Statement - #3
Choked wife/gun fired on floor
My wife and I had stopped communicating so I set up a
tape recorder to record her phone calls so I could find out what was bothering her.As I listened to the tape, I
found out my wife was having an affair.I was angry
and fearful at the same time I confronted her with the
tape.I yelled at her and pushed her to the couch and
floor a couple times.I waved my gun at her and noticed
it was cocked.I did not want it to go off and I
attempted to de-cock it.My hands were shaking so
badly, they slipped and the gun accidentally discharged.
Witnessed by 14 yr old daughter
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11. Expect Abusers to Avoid Responsibility
1.Deny..Did not happen that way!
2.MinimizeDownplays significance of abuse!
3.Externalize...Actions caused
by others!
4.Rationalize...Justifies behavior!
NOT
ME!
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12. Patterns of Thinking and Behavior
BlamingShifts responsibility to others
Immediate GratificationNow oriented
GrandiosePresents image of self-importance
Build UpBetter than others
UniqueDifferent than others
LyingUsed to control information, confuse or gain the advantage
Lack of BoundariesI do what I want
Youre MineOwner of others;like property
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13. Abuser Types
Theory 1:Low self-esteem/inadequate
Theory 2:High self-esteem/egoism
Theory 3:Pit Bulls vs. Cobras
Theory 4:One size doesnt fit all
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14. Theory 1: D.V. Stems From:
FEAR
INSECURITY
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15. Theory 2:DV Stems From:
Inflated ego/invincible
Better than others/grandiose sense of self
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16. Theory 3:Pit Bulls vs. Cobras
Pit Bulls
Great Guys
Charming to Others
Emotionally Dependent
Stalkers/Jealous
No Criminal Record
Cobras
Sociopaths
Antisocial
Cold, No Emotional Bond - Needs Victim
Aggressive towards Anyone when Challenged
Has Criminal Record, Substance Abusers
Studied 201 married couples,
63 were abusive.
Is this a valid sample?
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Source: http://www.nytimes.com/1998/03/17/science/battered-women-face-pit-bulls-and-cobras.html
17. Theory 4:Abusers are All Different
One size doesn't fit all.
Underlying issues may vary
but common characteristics
exist!
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18. Abuser Uses:

Domination

19. Oppression 20. ControlTactics
Violence is a Choice--
Cause is Decision
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21. Identifying Abusers:What To Look For
Cites good intentions for abuse
Cant show empathy
Often compliant with criminal justice system or creates an appearance of
Socially isolated
Traditionalist
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22. Identifying Abusers:Continued
Past battering
Controlling in relationships
Accepts behavior as normal/right
Jealousy
Blames victim
Master at manipulation
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23. What Victims Should Look For
ReactiveHypersensitive
IntensiveRapid escalation of emotion/ dramatic
DepthLack of emotional substance in relationships (no growth)
OppositionalManipulates conflicts and argument to maintain controlling position
False FrontDisparity in private and public self
HistoricalNo info about previous life
InformationHard to gain access to other life activities and relationships
MonopolyAll I need is you!
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24. Victim Characteristics
Low Self-Esteem
Self-Blame
Isolation
Lack of Trust
Shame
Embarrassment
Denial
Minimizations
Believes Myths
Depression
Possible Substance Abuse
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25. Every Victim is Different
Recognize individuality of every situation.
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26. Victim Safety is #1 Priority
Extends to children, family members and community.
Ongoing risk can result in homicide.
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27. Safety:A Victim Perspective
How does she define it?
Does she feel safe at this time?
When does she feel safe?
Does her partner know she is talking to you?
What does she think will be her partners next move?
What can I do to improve your safety?
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28. Through the Eyes of a Victim
I asked the victim if she was safe and she said yes.I removed the candlesticks by the front door so I am now safe. (Boyfriend use to threaten her with them.)
I asked the victim if she was safe and she said yes.I asked where her husband was. In the bedroom she replied.Has he been drinking?Yes, but only a six pack.Are there weapons in the house? Yes, he has a gun in the bedroom.Victim was directed to leave the house immediately.
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29. Different Views of Risk
Criminal Justice Professionals View ofVictim Risk:
Loss of life
Physical abuse and injuries
Victims View of Risk:
Losing custody of children
Loss of job due to court hearings, etc.
Impact on children who may be removed from school
Public and/or family shame
Victims concerns extend
well beyond traditional
definitions ofsafety.
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30. Lethality Indicators
Can We Determine Who Will Kill?
31. What is Risk?
Source:Risk assessment approach for the prevention of recidivism by Anna CostanzaBaldryIntervict, PowerPoint.
Likelihood
Probability
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32. Predictions
History of violence is one of the
best predictors of future violence!
Homicide most difficult to predict
because its rare!
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33. Predictions of Risk are Based on:
INTUITION
KNOWLEDGE
EXPERIENCE
BIASES
INSTRUMENTS
Source:Assessing Dangerousness by Jacquelyn C. Campbell
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34. Computerized Risk Assessment Instruments
CAN:
Be a tool to think through the elements of a case and compare it to other cases that resulted in serious injury or death.
Be a good reminder to do a thorough investigation and analyze elements.
CAN NOT:
Predict the behavior of any given individual.
Interpret the world of the battered victims problem solving;D.V. is about coercive control not just a problem of assaultive behavior.
Source:Metro Nashville Police Department, Stalking, Safety and
Assessment.
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35. Because abuse is such a serious risk
factor for homicide between intimates,
cases should be routinely assessed for
homicide risk.
Knowledge of risk factors allows potential
victims and officers to gauge the
degree of danger and make decisions.
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36. One Size Does Not Fit All
D.V. assessment
must be case-specific and
based on an ongoing analysis
of the totality of risks the
victim faces.
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37. Lethality Indicators
Frequency/severity of violence
Drug/alcohol abuse
Threats to harm children
Threats to kill
Forced sex
Suicide threats/ attempts
Weapons
Pet abuse
Psychiatric impairment
Proximity
Level of obsession/stalking
Perceived ownership
Separation
Indifference to public consequences
Service of court papers
Adapted from Lenore Walker, 1996
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38. Dont Discount Threats
Does victim believe it?
Made private or public?
Detailed and specific?
Have the means?
Has there been rehearsals of act?
Does it extend to others?
Involve murder, suicide or both?
8-8-10
Source:Metro Nashville Police Dept;Stalking, Safety,
Assessment
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39. Presence of Lethality Indicators Increases Risk of Victim Killing Abuser
Frequency of violent incidents
Severity of injuries
Abusers threat to kill
Victims threats of suicide
Abusers frequency of intoxication
Abusers drug abuse
Forced sexual acts
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40. Victim Safety Options
Information on D.V.
Resources/Services Available
Explain role of D.V. Shelter
Identify a Support Person Not Alone
Protective Orders
Safety Planning
*Priority of criminal justice response should be victim safety!
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41. Do Orders of Protection Work?
Think About it!
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42. Protective Orders:A Tool for Safety?
An Important Option For Victims:
Allows for police intervention
Interfering with Judicial Proceedings is a D.V. crime
Majority follow court order
Creates a paper trail of abusive history
Legal finding by judge
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43. Cautions with O.P.
Only a piece of paper.
Nothing ensures safety.
Homicide risk increases following service of court papers.
Separation most dangerous time.
Must be taught how to use it:
When to call police
Keep copy
Full Faith and Credit
Valid in ALL states
Modifications by judge only
Think About it!
Does invitation by
victim invalidate the
protective order?
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44. Answer to Think About it!
NO
Protective orders are against the defendant only; not the plaintiff.
An invitation by victim may influence arrest and charging decisions.
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45. Safety Plans
Thinking about what you would do in a crisis.
Low risk rooms vs. dangerous rooms
Create signals/code words
Escape plan -- rehearsed
Safety planning with children
Plan is individualized and varies if staying, having contact or in hiding.
Extend beyond home.
SAFETY
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46. Risks of Separation
Leads to high risk situations:
Stalking
Service of court papers
Victim independence
Secret is revealed/exposing abuser
Suicidal tendencies
Abusers feels loss of control/need to exert control:
Revenge
Teach lesson
Boundaries broken-nothing more to lose
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47. Push by the C. J. System to Protect Victims
Increased state and Federal legislation with stronger laws and harsher punishments.
Example:Violence Against Women Act
More funding to support victim assistance programs and crisis intervention teams.
Full Faith and Credit
Protective orders valid in ALL States should victim need to flee.
What else?
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48. Conclusions
Abusers are manipulative and calculating; presenting a different public and private image.
Separation is the most dangerous time for a victim.
Risk assessment within the criminal justice process is important and must be ongoing.
Defining victims perspective on safety is important.
The criminal justice system has a moral responsibility to provide victims with resources and options that will promote safety.
Victim safety can NEVER be guaranteed!
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