Video Learning // Domestic Violence Risk Factors for Severe Harm & Death

TFC’s Eric Parsons discusses risk factors indicating a domestic violence victim is likely to experience severe physical assault or homicide.

For this installment of our video learning series, TFC Education Coordinator Eric Parsons walks through risk factors that research has correlated to severe physical assault or homicide in relationships where domestic violence is present.

Being able to recognize risk factors, sometimes referred to in our field as “lethality indicators,” is powerful. Advocates, law enforcement, and others who interact with victims can use the presence of risk factors to gauge the level of danger in a domestic violence situation, and offer the best information, resources, and support.

For victims themselves, knowing the risks to their safety when certain factors are present in their relationship with an abuser can help them assess what they need to do to stay safe, and inform what kind of help (if any) they seek out. Insight into risk factors can also help loved ones see the warning signs of an abusive relationship and offer support to a victim before a pattern of abuse can escalate to severe injury or death. Eric also offers some guidance on the best way to support victims—never telling a victim what to do, or how they should go about it, but always empowering them to make their own decisions and asking how you can help.

Strangulation, access to firearms, threats of suicide, recent separation, assault during pregnancy, substance abuse, and unemployment and/or significant financial loss are examples of factors that experts have identified in the majority of intimate partner homicide cases. Eric elaborates on some of these key indicators and highlights a few resources to check out for anybody interested in learning more about risk factors.

---

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, The Friendship Center can help. Check out our services page to learn about our free, confidential, 24/7 services and visit our domestic violence resource page to explore resources for victims and advocates.

If you find this video helpful, be sure to check out all of our short educational videos. We add new ones on different topics on an ongoing basis and we’d love to hear from you if there’s a topic that you’d like us to cover that you don’t see a video for. For a deeper dive on any of these topics, consider checking out our education page to see some of the popular presentations we offer and learn how you can get in touch with us for more info about our education offerings.