Assessing for Lethality in Family Violence Intervention Programs (FVIP) is a 6-hour advanced training designed for FVIP providers who work with individuals using violence in intimate and family violence relationships.  Research consistently demonstrates that lethal and near-lethal violence is rarely impulsive and is often preceded by identifiable patterns of escalation, coercive control, separation-related stressors, threats, and access to weapons.

This training provides an evidence-informed overview of the prevalence and contributing factors associated with lethality in domestic and family violence, while equipping facilitators with practical strategies for recognizing high-risk indicators as they emerge in FVIP settings.  Participants will learn how to responsibly assess and respond to potential lethality risk, collaborate effectively with law enforcement and victim advocates, and integrate risk identification into their practice in ways that support victim safety while maintaining ethical and professional boundaries.

Through guided discussion and scenario-based practice, participants will strengthen their ability to document concerns, consult appropriately, and activate coordinated safety responses when elevated risk is present.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this 6-hour training, participants will be able to:

 

1. Summarize current research findings related to the prevalence of, patterns, and contributing factors associated with lethal and near-lethal intimate partner and family violence.

2. Identify empirically supported lethality risk indicators (e.g., escalation patterns, coercive control, threats, separation-related stressors, weapon access) as they appear in FVIP participant behavior, disclosures, and group narratives.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of coordinated community responses by describing how collaboration with law enforcement, probation, courts, and victim advocates enhances victim safety in high-risk cases.

4. Apply lethality risk identification within FVIP practice by incorporating assessment awareness into facilitation, documentation, consultation, and decision-making while maintaining program fidelity and ethical boundaries.

5. Analyze and respond to practice-based scenarios, selecting appropriate facilitator actions, consultation steps, documentation language, and safety protocols when potential lethality risk is identified.