Static factors are described as "variables that increase the risk of future violence but are unlikely to change and are often fixed." (Huss, 2008, p.115) This include such as the individual's gender and race. Dynamic factors are also used to consider violence potential. Dynamic factors are inclusive of such as the individual's attitudes and psychiatric status as well as their behavioral and affective characteristics. Dynamic factors are held as being more difficult to identify than static factors. Protective factors are reported to be an aspect of risk assessment that has been overlooked. Protective factors are such that decreases the chance of the individual committing violence. Protective factors include a supportive network of friends and family with religious convictions that are strong and which "act as buffers" to reduce the risk of violence potential. This includes potential violence in the form of suicide by the individual.
The forensic psychologist upon concluding that the individual is likely to perpetrate violent acts in...
This is generally accomplished through communicating the risk in the form of categorical risk levels (high, medium, and low) over specific probabilities." (Huss, 2008, p.122) The role of the forensic psychologist in assessing risk of violence is a critical one in ensuring that the individual does not perpetrate violence upon others or upon self.
Works Cited
Huss, MT (2008) Forensic Psychology. John Wiley & Sons. 22 Sep 2008. Retrieved from: http://books.google.com/books?id=qelixoBsXyYC&dq=forensic+psychology:+assessing+violence+potential&source=gbs_navlinks_s
Webster, C.D., & Douglas, K.S. (2001). Purpose of this guide. In K.S. Douglas, C.D. Webster, S.D. Hart, D. Eaves, & J.R.P. Ogloff, (Eds.),HCR-20: Violence risk management companion guide. Burnaby, BC, Canada: Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University, and Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida.
