The Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) is a multidimensional, self-report test used to assess male and female adults accused, or convicted, of domestic violence. The DVI is primarily used in courts, probation departments, counseling agencies, and treatment programs. The DVI is a domestic violence offender, risk assessment tool. In addition to evaluating an offender’s predisposition for violence, per se, the DVI screens adjunctive factors, such as offender truthfulness, substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, controlling tendencies, and stress management skills. These contributing factors (criminogenic needs) are represented in the DVI as scales (measures).
Elevated scale scores, at the 70th percentile and higher, represent identifiable problems. Each DVI scale score measures problem severity, thereby enabling evaluators to match problem severity with treatment intensity. Matching problem severity with treatment intensity is important for treatment effectiveness and reducing recidivism (Bonta & Andrews, 2007). Domestic violence recidivism is ascertained by the Violence Scale (violence severity) score, domestic violence correlates with other DVI scales and the offender’s prior arrest history.
DVI areas of inquiry (scales) were established after extensive review of domestic violence literature. Scale items were selected on the basis of their psychometric properties. In contrast to lengthy interviews, DVI test administration time (30 minutes), accurate computer scoring, and report printing (2½ minutes) methods, are time-efficient. Offenders can be tested individually or in groups. Tests can be administered in paper-pencil (test booklet) format or on the computer at www.online-testing.com or via diskette/USB flash drive. However tests are administered, they are all computer-scored (objective, accurate and fair).
The DVI consists of 155 true-false and multiple choice items, and is written at a high 5th grade to low 6th grade reading level. The DVI is also available with human voice audio in English and Spanish. Most active vocabularies (what we speak) are more limited than passive vocabularies (what we understand). Human voice audio recordings help overcome reading impairments and cultural differences. Human voice audio is available at no additional cost.
The Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) was conceptualized after years of evaluating people accused, or convicted, of domestic violence for the courts, attorneys, probation, and corrections departments, as well as counseling and treatment agencies. Years of psychometric research followed.
The goal from the beginning has been to develop a practical, helpful, and psychometrically sound instrument. Practical, in the sense that it can be completed in a reasonable amount of time, helpful, in terms of providing useful information to people working with domestic violence perpetrators, and psychometrically sound with regards to reliability, validity and accuracy.
Behavior Data Systems' staff are proud of the DVI and believe we have successfully achieved the goals set forth above, i.e., a practical, helpful and psychometrically sound test.
Now, our mission is to maintain these objectives while sustaining the DVI's state-of-the-art reputation. We are aided in these efforts by the DVI's built-in database, which facilitates ongoing research.
Hopefully, this dialogue explains why the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) is one of the very few tests designed specifically for domestic violence perpetrator assessment.
In conclusion, we know that DVI user feedback is important. User feedback has contributed to the design (e.g., 6 scales) and updation (e.g., Control Scale) of the DVI. We want to assure DVI users that we will listen. We appreciate DVI user feedback whether, by phone, e-mail, or letter.
There are several levels of DVI interpretation, ranging from viewing the DVI as a self-report, to interpreting scale elevations and scale inter-relationships.
The following table is a starting point for interpreting DVI scale scores.
Risk Catagory |
Risk Range Percentile |
Total Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Low Risk |
0 - 39% |
39% |
Medium Risk |
40 - 69% |
30% |
Problem Risk |
70 - 89% |
20% |
Severe Problem |
90 - 100% |
11% |
A problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70th percentile or higher. Elevated scale scores refer to percentile scores that are at or above the 70th percentile. Severe problems are identified by scale scores at or above the 90th percentile. Severe problems represent the highest 11 percent of offenders evaluated with the DVI. The DVI has been normed on over 85,000 domestic violence offenders. And, this normative sample continues to expand with each DVI test that is administered.
1. Truthfulness Scale:
Measures how truthful the offender was while completing the test. It identifies guarded and defensive people who attempt to "fake good". Scale scores at or
below the 89th percentile mean that all DVI scales are accurate. Scale scores in the 70 to 89th percentile range are accurate because they have been
Truth-Corrected. Scores at or above the 90th percentile mean that all DVI scales are inaccurate (invalid), because the offender was overly guarded, read
things into test items that aren’t there, was minimizing problems, or was attempting to fake answers. Respondents with reading impairments might also score
in this 90-100th percentile scoring range. If not consciously deceptive, offenders with elevated Truthfulness Scale scores are uncooperative, fail to
understand test items, or have a need to appear in a good light. The Truthfulness Scale score is important because it shows whether or not the offender
answered DVI test items honestly. Truthfulness Scale scores at or below the 89th percentile indicate that all other DVI scale scores are accurate. One of
the first things to check, when reviewing a DVI report, is the Truthfulness Scale score. The Truthfulness Scale can be interpreted independently.
Truthfulness Scale scores validate all other DVI scale scores.
The DVI Truth-Correction procedure resembles that used in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Scale item responses are totaled (to
yield raw scores) and truth-correction is then applied. Domestic violence offender risk for each DVI scale is determined by a series of questions that
culminate in each scales risk. This enables matching of problem severity and treatment intensity.
2. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Identifies offenders who are dangerous to themselves and others. It is defined as the expression of rage and hostility through physical force. Violence is aggression, in its most extreme and unacceptable form. Elevated scorers can be demanding, sensitive to perceived criticism, and are insightless about how they express their anger/hostility. Severe problem scorers should not be ignored, as they are threatening, very dangerous, and at risk. A particularly unstable and perilous situation involves an elevated Violence Scale, with an elevated Alcohol Scale or Drugs Scale score. The higher the elevation of these scale scores, (e.g., Severe Problem range) with the Violence Scale -- the worse the prognosis. An elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale with an elevated Violence Scale score, provides insight regarding codeterminants, and possible treatment recommendations. An elevated Control Scale, in combination with an elevated Violence Scale score, suggests a rigidly hostile characterlogical pattern. Loss of control results in punitive consequences, whereas, lack of control is anxiety inducing. The Violence Scale score can be interpreted independently, or in combination with other DVI scale scores.
3. Control Scale: “Control” is a complex psychological term. Some researchers are interested in the dynamics of controlling others. The DVI Control Scale measures one’s need to control others. In social psychology, control is often a synonym for power or influence. Within the context of domestic violence, control refers to the process of regulating, restraining, or controlling others. These controlling behaviors vary, from normal (mild) to pathological (severe). Control-related, behavior pathology focuses on exaggerated, distorted, or extreme behaviors, like swearing, pushing, intimidating, hitting, and even battering. Without getting into a discussion of a variety of control theories, the construct “control” has become important in understanding domestic violence. The significance of control is reflected in domestic violence perpetrators' difficulty in giving up control, and their resistance to treatment.
An elevated (70 to 89th percentile) Control Scale score indicates the presence of regulating, restraining, and controlling behaviors. Scores in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range identify extreme and even pathological controlling behaviors. Elevated Control Scale scorers have a need to control others. Anything that interferes with this sense of control is frustrating, and can be threatening. These people often have a lot of friction, or conflict in their relationships.
An elevated Control Scale score, with an elevated Violence Scale score, is usually a malignant sign. The level of these scale scores is important. Scores in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range should not be ignored, as they are indicative of a dangerous person. Similarly, an elevated substance (Alcohol or Drug Scale) abuse score, in conjunction with an elevated Control Scale score, is problematic. Alcohol and/or drug involvement can exacerbate control issues. An elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score, with an elevated Control Scale score, may help in understanding the offender’s situation. A person that doesn’t handle stress well is likely to experience symptom magnification. In summary, the Control Scale can be interpreted independently, or in conjunction with other DVI scale scores.
4. Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol use and the severity of abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine, and other liquor. An elevated (70 to 89th percentile) Alcohol Scale score is indicative of an emerging drinking problem. An Alcohol Scale score in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range identifies serious drinking problems.
Since a history of alcohol problems could result in an abstainer (current non-drinker) attaining a low to medium-risk score, precautions have been built into the DVI to correctly identify "recovering alcoholics." Several DVI items are printed in the “significant items” sections of the DVI report for quick reference. These alcohol items include the following: admits drinking is a problem (item #31), Admits drinking problem in the past year (item #37), admits has a drinking problem (item #79), "recovering alcoholic" (item #87), describes seriousness of own drinking (item #147), and states own desire for alcohol treatment (item #150). In addition, the Alcohol Scale risk range paragraphs (printed for elevated scores) clearly state that the offender may be a "recovering alcoholic."
In intervention and treatment settings, the offender’s Alcohol Scale score helps staff work through the offender’s denial. Most people accept the objective and standardized Alcohol Scale score as accurate and relevant, in comparison to a person’s subjective opinion. This is particularly true when it is explained that elevated scores don’t occur by chance. The offender must answer a definite pattern of alcohol-related admissions, for elevated scores to occur. And, scale scores are based on thousands of offenders' scores who have completed the DVI.
An elevated Alcohol Scale score, in conjunction with other elevated scores, magnifies the severity of the other elevated scores. For example, if you have an offender with an elevated Violence Scale, who also has an elevated Alcohol Scale score, that person is even more dangerous when drinking. In summary, the Alcohol Scale can be interpreted independently, or in conjunction with other elevated scores.
5. Drug Scale: Measures licit and illicit drug use, and the severity of abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, cocaine, crack, ice, amphetamines, barbiturates, heroin, etc. An elevated (70 to 89th percentile) Drugs Scale score is indicative of an emerging drug problem. A Drugs Scale score in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range identifies serious illicit drug abusers.
A history of drug-related problems could result in an abstainer (drug history, but not presently using drugs) attaining a low to medium-risk score. Precautions have been built into the DVI to correctly identify “recovering drug abusers.” Several DVI items are printed in the “significant items” section of the DVI report for easy reference. These items include: Increased tolerance in the last year (item #29), admits has a drug problem (item #39), used drugs within the last year (item #44), admits to using and abusing drugs (item #69), in treatment for a drug problem (item #93), rates severity of own drug use (item #148), and states desire for drug treatment (item #151). In addition, the elevated Drug Scale paragraphs clearly state when the offender may be a “recovering” drug abuser.
In intervention and treatment settings, the offender’s Drug Scale score helps staff work through client denial. And an elevated Drug Scale score, in conjunction with other elevated scale scores, magnifies the severity of the other elevated scores. For example, an elevated Violence Scale, in conjunction with an elevated Drug Scale score, increases the severity and risk associated with the Violence Scale. In summary, the Drug Scale can be interpreted independently, or in conjunction with other elevated scales.
6. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the offender copes with stress. It is now known that stress exacerbates symptoms of mental and emotional problems. Thus, an elevated Stress Coping Abilities Scale score, in conjunction with other elevated DVI scale scores, helps explain the offender’s situation. For example, when a person doesn’t handle stress well, other existing problems are exacerbated. This problem augmentation applies to substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality), control issues, and stress-related problems.
An elevated, Stress Coping Abilities Scale score can also exacerbate emotional and mental health symptomatology. When a Stress Coping Abilities Scale score is in the severe problem (90 to 100th percentile) range, it is likely that the offender has a diagnosable mental health problem. In these instances, referral to a certified/licensed mental health professional may be appropriate to obtain a diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. Lower elevated scores suggest less intensive referral alternatives, like a stress management program. In summary, the Stress Coping Abilities Scale can be interpreted independently, or in conjunction with other elevated scales.
At one sitting, of approximately 30 minutes duration, staff can acquire a vast amount of domestic violence perpetrator information, which includes acting out (violence) propensity, controlling tendencies, substance use and abuse, and stress management skills. Early problem identification facilitates timely intervention and improved outcome results.