Table 3.

Risk factors measured by the SARA.

SARA items
Past assault on family members. Past assault on strangers.
Previous violation of parole/conditional release or no contact orders.
Recent relationship problems.a Recent employment problems.a
Offender exposed to FDV at a young age.
Offender substance use/dependence.a
Offender exhibits suicidal/homicidal ideation or intent.a
Offender exhibits psychotic/manic symptoms.a
Offender exhibits the presence of a personality disorder with aggression.a
Offender previously convicted of physical assault. Offender previously convicted of sexual assault.
Previous use of a weapon or death threats.
Increase in frequency or severity of abuse by offender.a Previous violation of ‘no contact’ orders.
Offender minimises or denies spousal assault.a
Offender exhibits attitudes condoning assault.a Most recent offence included severe and/or sexual assault. Most recent offence included the use of weapons and/or credible death threats. Most recent offence violates current ‘no contact’ orders.

Note: SARA = Spousal Assault Risk Assessment.

^aDynamic risk factors.