What does a lethality assessment specifically aim to do?

A lethality assessment specifically aims to assess specific risk factors for future violence. This tool is designed to identify the severity and potential for escalation in domestic violence situations. By evaluating various risk factors—such as the presence of firearms, threats of harm, or the abuser's substance abuse—law enforcement and responders can gauge the likelihood of future violence against a victim.

This focused approach allows for timely intervention and more informed decision-making regarding protective measures or referrals to services that can support the victim's safety. It prioritizes immediate risk awareness and prevention, contrasting with broader approaches that might aim to gather testimonies, provide training, or evaluate past cases. Those tasks, while important, do not specifically target the immediate concern of predicting and preventing future incidents of violence.