Danger Assessment Tool – How I Can Help You Get a TPO
Recently, I took the time to attend a training session that certified me in using The Danger Assessment. The Danger Assessment is a tool that helps professionals determine the level of danger an abused woman has of being killed by her intimate partner. The tool was originally developed by Dr. Jacquelyn C. Campbell, PhD, RN, FAAN, the Anna D. Wolf Chair at The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, with consultation and support from battered women, shelter workers, law enforcement officials, and other clinical experts on battering. It’s been revised since it’s original iteration, and it is continually evolving as a tool to assist professionals when evaluating risk levels with abused women
There are four different levels of risk on the Danger Assessment. If you are at a very high risk of serious danger, the Danger Assessment helps us figure that out and makes it easier to take assertive action to protect you.
I was drawn to this training because I have worked with clients in domestic violence situations who are unsure of their level of risk. When women are in a cycle of abuse, it is often difficult for them to see things objectively and really determine if they are at risk of harm. My hope is that I can use this tool to help women evaluate their risk level and make informed decisions about their next steps.
One option available in Georgia is the Temporary Protective Order. Temporary Protective Orders are civil court orders that protect victims of violence from harassment, stalking, threats, or any contact between the victim and the accused. Protective Orders can also require the accused to leave your home, and determine custody of your children, child support and temporary use of property, like vehicles.
If you are unsure if you would benefit from a Temporary Protective Order, we can spend time during a Strategy Session completing the Danger Assessment. I can review your answers and determine what level of risk you have personally, and we can develop a plan for you that prioritizes safety and peace of mind.
My goal when talking with victims of domestic violence is always to make you aware of your options and feel safe taking action. If you’re not ready to take that step, sometimes just knowing you have options can make it easier to walk away.
Emily Johnston
