Expanded account of risk indicators in a gender-based violence case

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The day law enforcement from Cullera arrested José Antonio AC on August 10, 2021, nearly eight months before the boy’s death, the only information shared by the patricide’s ex-wife was that he was in the middle of a divorce. In court records, he also faced questions in the police risk assessment questionnaire used for all victims of gender-based violence at the time of the complaint. The assessment weighed scenarios and measures based on the likelihood of repeated attacks, the husband’s alcoholism, the brutal abuse endured, and the fact that the wife was dealing with a psychiatric condition due to insufficient treatment.

There was more. He answered affirmatively to items that signaled a spiral of violence, including exaggerated jealousy, controlling behavior, harassing conduct, disrespect for authority or its representatives, and a rise in aggression or escalating threats within the previous six months.

psychiatric disorder and alcohol

The situation also involved a minor under protection, a criminal record for the ex-wife that included a recent arrest for drunk driving, and a husband who faced mental health issues that led him to seek psychiatric care.

After the risk assessment was completed, the system produced a conclusion of moderate relapse risk in aggression. The evaluator noted that the conclusion aligned with the form’s measurements, while also acknowledging that the system can adjust risk levels if the evaluator observes information beyond the direct responses.

The evaluator highlighted that the specific combination of indicators identified during the interview — alcohol use, escalation of control, harassment and threats, and psychiatric history — produced a notably relevant profile.

As a result, the case was flagged for a separate, specialized procedure, with the implication that severe repetition leading to the victim’s death could warrant heightened attention by judicial and financial authorities.

When the option to seek a protection order was presented, she agreed and stated at the time that she feared a potential attack from him.

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