1  |    |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5  |  6  |  7  |  8  |  9  |  10  |  11
12  |  13  |  14  |  15  |  Summary  |   |  Quiz Yourself

  
Lethality Checklist / Safety Planning
Because the first priority is the safety of the victim, you may find the need to conduct a brief danger/lethality assessment and if necessary, create a safety plan. There are certain indicators that may suggest a victim is in serious life danger. You may also refer the client to the local domestic violence center for both the danger/lethality assessment and safety planning.

Below is a Danger/Lethality Checklist. It is scored simply: the more items checked, the higher the danger to the elder.

 

          Danger/Lethality Checklist
Perpetrator objectifies victim - calls them names, body parts, animals, etc.
Perpetrator blames victim for perceived injuries
Perpetrator is unwilling to turn victim loose
Perpetrator is obsessed with victim
Perpetrator is hostile, angry, or furious
Perpetrator appears distraught
The relationship is extremely tense and volatile
Perpetrator is extremely jealous and accuses victim of promiscuous behavior
Perpetrator has committed incidents of significant violence
Perpetrator has abused or killed pets
Perpetrator has made recent threats to kill or harm victim
Perpetrator has made suicide attempts or is threatening suicide
Perpetrator has access to weapons such as guns or knives
Perpetrator uses alcohol or drugs
Victim has recently left or threatened to leave abuser
 
Reviewing this checklist with a victim may expand their awareness of abusive behaviors and help them to see the seriousness of their situation. Any decisions based on this checklist should be made by the victim after discussion - the victim is the expert on how lethal her situation is.