Which indicators suggest a perpetrator might escalate violence?

Which indicators suggest a perpetrator might escalate violence?

• A. Escalating threats, access to weapons, increasing control behaviors, isolation attempts, prior police reports, and decreased tolerance for resistance.
• B. Less frequent contact and more cooperative behavior.
• C. Consistent non-violent communication.
• D. Openly seeking help from services.

Answer: (A)

This item tests recognizing signs that violence may escalate. Red flags include escalating threats, access to weapons, increasing control behaviors, isolation attempts, prior police reports, and a decreasing tolerance for resistance. When these indicators appear together, they point to a trajectory of greater danger and the need for heightened safety planning and risk assessment. The cluster of these signs suggests the person may be preparing to harm more seriously or with less restraint. In contrast, signs like less frequent contact paired with more cooperative behavior, consistent non-violent communication, or openly seeking help from services point to de-escalation or proactive intervention. These reflect protective steps or a reduced risk, not imminent escalation.

This item tests recognizing signs that violence may escalate. Red flags include escalating threats, access to weapons, increasing control behaviors, isolation attempts, prior police reports, and a decreasing tolerance for resistance. When these indicators appear together, they point to a trajectory of greater danger and the need for heightened safety planning and risk assessment. The cluster of these signs suggests the person may be preparing to harm more seriously or with less restraint.

In contrast, signs like less frequent contact paired with more cooperative behavior, consistent non-violent communication, or openly seeking help from services point to de-escalation or proactive intervention. These reflect protective steps or a reduced risk, not imminent escalation.