To Örebro University

This chapter focuses on risk assessment and risk management for children exposed to intimate partner violence and stalking in post-separation scenarios. The risk, need, and responsivity theory is used to discuss how professionals can address the risk of revictimization for both adults and children. While it is important to consider the perspectives of the perpetrator and the adult victim when assessing and handling the risk for future violence, it is also essential to take the child's perspective into account. Children's views of both their exposure to violence and their perpetrator's risk factors, like substance abuse and mental health issues, are valuable when identifying risk and vulnerability factors for both adults and children. Vulnerability factors such as normalization, social isolation, and fear can impede a child's ability to seek help and reduce their responsiveness to interventions. Protective factors like a social and professional network, along with positive parenting, can shield children from further violence. Professionals should carefully consider the potential impact of each protective and vulnerability factor when developing risk management for children exposed to intimate partner violence or stalking. This will also help to identify the needs of exposed children. The responsivity of the child for the assumed risk management will likely be impacted by it. The chapter advocates for a balanced approach, integrating risk, vulnerability, and protective factors, to effectively prevent violence and meet the needs of all victims, with a special focus on children.