How Do Latin American Professionals Approach Violence Risk Assessment? A Qualitative Exploratory Study

Abstract

The ability to predict the likelihood of violent behavior is an important task that is not constrained by cultures, borders, or geographic regions. This qualitative study analyzed 15 semi-structured interviews with forensic professionals to understand violence risk assessment (VRA) processes and procedures in Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. Participants reported a range of procedures for assessing violence risk, including the use of structured VRA tools. Most evaluators considered common risk factors, but several culturally relevant risk and protective factors emerged from the interviews. Perceived strengths and limitations of VRA measures were explored. Findings may inform risk assessments with culturally diverse adults.

Keywords:

• Cross-cultural
• forensic assessment
• violence
• Latin America
• risk assessment

Notes

1 Familismo is a Latin American cultural value that refers to the importance of strong family loyalty and closeness, and contributes to the well-being of the family, including one’s nuclear family or extended family (Cauce & Domenech-Rodriguez, 2000; Guilamo-Ramos et al., 2007).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by American-Psychology Law Society.