Risk assessment violence

In the assessment of risk for violence one needs to take into consideration the risk factors outlined in Table 50.1. Most aggressive youths are impulsive and non-compliant, often continuing to be at risk despite active treatment. 

Novaco, R. (1994). Anger as a factor for violence among the mentally disordered. In J. Monahan and H. R. Steadman (eds) Violence and Mental Disorder Developments in Risk Assessment. Chicago, IL University of Chicago Press. 

Threat assessments are a common approach among school- and district-wide plans to systematically assess risk among troubled students. Reddy et al. (2000) assert that threat assessment is the most promising approach for providing school personnel with a systematic risk assessment of targeted violence in schools. 

Reddy, M., Borum, R., Berglund, J., Vossekuil, B., Fein, R., and Modzeleski, W. (2001). Evaluating risk for targeted violence in schools Comparing risk assessment, threat assessment and other approaches. Psychology in the Schools, 38,157-172. 

Webster C.D, Douglas K.S, Eaves D and Hart S (1997) HCR-20 Assessing Risk for Violence (version 2), Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. 

Multiagency risk assessment conference (MARAC) - identifies people at risk of domestic violence and works to reduce risk... 

Psychiatric admission rarely helps, and may place other patients and staff at risk of violence. However, consider asking your registrar to assess Bradley before deciding whether to admit or discharge, especially if there s a history of violence. 

Other specific tools can help analyze the workplace. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has voluntary and advisory guidelines relating to workplace violence, stress reduction, conflict resolution, risk assessment, and health issues related to this hazard. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has similar resources available. Many other private organizations will provide information and leads to professionals who practice the services needed. Of course, all of these organizations should be used throughout the process of developing and implementing the plan. 

Conduct a workplace violence risk assessment to identify potentially violent situations. Take a look at environmental conditions, such as physical conditions at the work site organizational issues, such as recent restructuring or workforce reductions drug and alcohol use in the workplace and bullying or intimidation. Evaluate each potential risk and develop a plan to address those identified as high risk and those most likely to cause serious injuries. 

Assess for the safety of others and potential for violence. If accompanied by friends or family with whom the patient is living, ask them to remove from the home all guns, caustic chemicals, medications, and objects the person might use to harm self or others. Risk factors for suicide include severity of depression, feelings of hopelessness, comorbid personality disorder, and a history of a previous suicide attempt.19... 

Table 17.1. In this context, mental retardation deserves special comment. Although most persons with mental retardation are not violent, there is an increased risk of inappropriate aggression among individuals with psychiatric diagnoses in general, including mental retardation. Most research on associations between violence and mental illness has focused on adults. To assess the relationship between aggressive behaviors and psychiatric disorders, it is useful to look at the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in those who have committed violent acts, and to examine the prevalence of violence in psychiatric patients in different settings.

The analysis of the media articles show that terrorism has changed liom rational political violence to a description of terrorists as an irrational, catastrophic societal risk that would, if they had the opportunity, use weapons of mass destruction. This is a risk that is unacceptable for the society. Consequently the implications of the terrorism-discourse raise pubhc fear and powerlessness. The public must thenrely on the authorities ability to give correct assessments and implement appropriate measures. 

Enconrage employees to promptly report incidents and suggest ways to reduce or eliminate risks. Require records of incidents to assess risk and measure progress. Outline a comprehensive plan for maintaining security in the workplace. This inclndes establishing a liaison with law enforcement representatives and others who can help identify ways to prevent and mitigate workplace violence. 

In most workplaces where risk factors can be identified, the risk of assardt can be prevented or minimized if employers take appropriate precautions. One of the best protections employers can offer their workers is to estabhsh a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence. This pohcy should cover all workers, patients, chents, visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with company personnel. By assessing their worksites, employers can identify methods for reducing the hkehhood of incidents occmring. 

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