Lethality Indicators

from The Haven of RCS Domestic Violence Center

Increasing Level Of Violence: Severity and frequency of abuse continues to rise. Rape and sexual abuse may become prevalent.

Threats Of Homicide Or Suicide: The abuser who has threatened to kill themselves, their partner, the children, other family members, and/or others attempting to intervene, must be considered dangerous.

Fantasies Of Homicide Or Suicide: The more the abuser has developed a fantasy about who, how, when, where, and why to kill, the more dangerous they become. The batterer who has previously acted out part of a fantasy and/or has detailed their plans may be apt to use the idea of killing as a viable solution.

Ownership Of Partner: The abuser who says "always mine" or "death before divorce" believes that their partner has no right to separate from them. They feel entitled to their partner and their service, obedience and loyalty, no matter what.

Hostage Taking: Shows willingness to take risks and resort to desperate measures. Demonstrates control over the victim.

Repeated Outreach To Law Enforcement: Partner homicide almost always occurs after there has been prior history of violence and police involvement.

Depression: When an abuser has been acutely depressed and sees little hope for moving beyond the depression.

Weapons: Use or threats to use weapons, along with the abuser having access to weapons increases the potential threat of death.

Obsessivness About Partner Or Family: Loss of contact with the victim represents total loss of hope. May be viewed as "betrayal" by the victim, which may justify lethal retaliation in the abuser's mind.

Separation: The most dangerous time for a victim. Abuser feels loss of control and may retaliate to get even or regain control.

Drug/Alcohol Consumption: Increasing substance abuse can elevate the risk of lethality into a state of despair or fury.

Pet Abuse: Abusers who assault and mutilate pets are more likey to hurt, kill, or maim family members.

Access To The Victim And Family Members: If the abuser cannot find the victim or victim's family, he/she cannot kill or hurt them.

Disruption In Abuser's Everyday Life: Loss of job, inability to eat/sleep, elimination of all outside interests may increase the abuser's focus onto the victim.