INTELLIGENCE Volume 3, Issue 2, Summer 2015

Welcome to the second issue of the third volume of Intelligence.

Intelligence will keep you up to date with the recent advances in threat assessment from around the globe.

World-leading threat assessment figures have agreed to share their knowledge and experiences and serve on the Intelligence editorial board.

We also encourage you to contribute and provide feedback.

Of particular importance in our latest issue are some upcoming events that have not been offered before. First, WorksafeBC and ProActive ReSolutions Inc. are co-hosting a conference on violence against health care professionals. We are fortunate to have Dr. Frank Farnham from the United Kingdom as our keynote speaker for this conference. Dr. Farnham specializes in assessing and managing risk of stalking and harassment towards health care professionals. Second, the ATAP Northwest Chapter and CATAP are offering a joint training largely focusing on threat assessment in school settings that is free to those who wish to attend. Third, several major associations across British Columbia are collaborating to present a conference focusing on stopping sexual and domestic violence. Over 1000 participants will be attending this conference and a wide range of important issues will be presented so it will be a wonderful opportunity for networking with others and learning new interventions. Finally, for the first time ever, authors of the HCR-20 Version 3 will be offering Train-the-Trainer Workshops. This is a very important practice update given the need for additional trainers on on this tool and the importance of ensuring the quality of the training. See below for more information about these exciting upcoming events!

We hope Intelligence will continue to provide a forum for you to share and develop your expertise in threat assessment.

Sincerely,

Kelly A. Watt, PhD
Threat Assessment Specialist
ProActive ReSolutions Inc.

Research Update

Efficacy of a Sexual Assault Resistance Program for University Women

Update by Dr. Laura Guy

In a recent version of Intelligence (Volume 2, Issue 7) Dr. Randy Kropp discussed a paper that provided a comprehensive review of campus sexual violence prevention programs in the United States by Vladutiu, Martin, and Macy (2011). Vladutiu and colleagues estimated that about 20% to 25% of all women enrolled at institutions of higher education are victims of sexual violence during the course of their studies, often with serious short- and long-term impacts on physical and emotional health, social functioning, and academic success. Many sexual assault prevention programs have been implemented to address this problem, but few have been subjected to rigorous empirical evaluation and even fewer have found a positive impact of prevention programs.

Following Dr. Kropp’s article in Intelligence, a paper by Senn and colleagues (2015) was published that described an excellent evaluation of a novel intervention program. The researchers compared the 1-year incidence of sexual violence among 420 women randomly assigned to an “intervention” group and 430 women assigned to a “control” group. Participants were first year students enrolled at the Universities of Windsor, Guelph, or Calgary. Women in the treatment group completed the Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act Sexual Assault Resistance program. The intervention comprised four 3-hour units that involved information-providing games, mini-lectures, facilitated discussion, and application and practice activities. Compared with other programs evaluated previously, this intervention is characterized by more hours of programming, a greater number of interactive and practice exercises, less focus on assertive communication and more on intensification of resistance to a perpetrator’s perseverance, and the inclusion of positive sexuality content. Women in the control condition were given access to brochures on sexual assault, a practice common in many campus settings.

A year later, participants were asked whether they had any sexual violence victimization experiences following the intervention program or receipt of informational brochures. Sexual violence experiences were classified into one of five categories: completed rape (oral, vaginal, or anal penetration), attempted rape, coercion (use of pressure or manipulation to induce compliance in non-consensual penetrative sexual acts), attempted coercion, and other non-consensual sexual contact. The rate of completed rape was significantly lower among women in the intervention group than in the control group, 5.2% versus 9.8%, respectively, or a relative risk reduction of 46.3%. Based on these findings, the authors estimated that for 22 women who completed the intervention program, a new rape was prevented during the next year. The rate of attempted rape also was lower among women in the intervention group than in the control group: 3.4% vs. 9.3%, respectively, or a relative risk reduction of 63.2%. The rates of attempted coercion and non-consensual sexual contact were also significantly lower in the intervention group, although the rate of sexual coercion was not. These positive outcomes were achieved without the need for booster sessions during the 1-year follow-up period.

The findings of Senn and colleagues are in stark contrast with much of previous research in this area. But the fact that the Senn et al. study was so methodologically rigorous, including both a large sample and random assignment among other impressive features, suggests that its findings can not be discounted.

It will be important for other to replicate the findings of Senn et al. to make sure the results hold true in other campuses. Of course, sexual violence victimization is not a problem just for women who are first year students. It would be helpful to know if the intervention evaluated by Senn et al. could also reduce the rate of sexual violence victimization among women enrolled in the second year of studies or beyond, men who are students, and even women and men who are staff or faculty. Finally, it will be important to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the intervention and determine if there is some way to decrease its costs without decreasing its effectiveness.

Of course, as was discussed in Dr. Kropp’s article, a primary prevention program is only one part of a comprehensive strategy for managing risk of sexual violence on campus. Secondary and tertiary prevention programs are also needed. Secondary prevention aims to improve rapid and effective detection of and response to sexual violence on campus; tertiary prevention activities aim to mitigate the long-term consequences of sexual violence, as well as to prevent re-victimization. Due to their specialized knowledge and skills, threat assessment teams can play an important role in the prevention of sexual violence on campus.

References

Senn, C. Y., Eliasziw, M., Barata, P. C., Thurston, W. E., Newby-Clark, I. R., Radtke, H. L., & Hobden, K. L. (2015). Efficacy of a sexual assault resistance program for university women. New England Journal of Medicine, 372, 2326-2335.

Vladutiu, C. J., Martin, S. L., & Macy, R. J. (2011). College- or university-based sexual assault prevention programs: A Review of program outcomes, characteristics, and recommendations. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 12(2), 67-86.

Practice Update

Upcoming Launch of Train-the-Trainer Workshops for the HCR-20 Version 3

Update by Dr. Kevin Douglas and Dr. Stephen Hart

Who is qualified to train others on the use of the HCR-20 Version 3? As developers of the instrument, we are asked this question often. As Dr. Kelly Watt and Dr. Stephen Hart outlined in a previous issue of Intelligence (Volume 2, Issue 5, Spring 2014), it is not an easy one to answer. But Drs. Watt and Hart did provide some useful guidance about the expertise and experience required to provide threat assessment training generally, as well as on specific tools. For ethical, legal, and clinical reasons, it is very risky for professionals to provide training in the use of a specific risk assessment tool—or for others to take training provided by them—unless the professionals have demonstrated competence in both the use of the tool and the training of others to use the tool.

So, returning to the question, “Who is qualified to train on the HCR-20 Version 3?” Following the discussion above, we are unable to endorse others as trainers unless we have directly evaluated their knowledge of general principles of violence risk assessment generally, their familiarity with the professional and scientific literature concerning the HCR-20, their skills in the use of the HCR-20 V3, their skills with respect to training professionals, and the accuracy of the training materials they use. Put simply, we can’t endorse anyone with whom we do not work!

We are not happy about this situation, as there are many professionals around the world who want training to use the HCR-20 V3—in English, as well as in many other languages. Also, we know many professionals around the world who, in our estimation, would make excellent trainers. To help fill the gap in qualified trainers, we have developed an official “Train-the-Trainer” program that, for the first time, will allow us to certify others to deliver approved HCR-20 V3 training.

The new Train-the-Trainer program will be launched in 2016. The first step in becoming a certified trainer is to demonstrate foundational knowledge and skills through successful completion of a written examination; submission of work product in the form of HCR-20 V3 case reports for review and feedback; and completion of HCR-20 V3 assessments for two case studies. The second step is to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills by successfully completing a 3-day advanced training provided by HCR-20 V3 authors. This session includes a walk-through and demonstration of approved training materials, with explanations of the reasoning behind the materials, and the primary teaching points to be communicated to participants. It also includes discussion of issues in professional education, including how to optimize audience engagement and facilitate proper implementation of the HCR-20 V3 in various settings. The third step is to demonstrate training skills through supervised practice and review of participant evaluations.

We think there will be several benefits in becoming a certified HCR-20 V3 trainer. First, certified trainers will receive formal documentation attesting to this. Second, at their request, their names will be published on the HCR-20 website (www.hcr-20.com). Third, they will receive a license to use, adapt, or translate the authors’ official training materials, including any new, revised, or updated materials. Fourth, participants who complete workshops led by certified trainers will receive formal documentation of same, and a copy of this documentation will be kept on record for their future use. These benefits should be useful to professionals who want to undertake in-house or closed training, as well as those who want to provide public or open training.

The Train-the-Trainer course is intended for professionals who already have experience using the HCR-20. It is appropriate for mental health, nursing, criminal justice, forensic, correctional, law enforcement, and occupational health and safety professionals. We expect to offer the first courses in the Spring of 2016, so stay tuned for additional details. In the meantime, do let us know if you would be interested in becoming a certified HCR-20 V3 trainer by emailing us at [email protected].

Industry Association News

Asia Pacific Association of Threat Assessment Professionals

Message from President Mr. Geoff Brown

As I sit to write this message for all of my fellow TAP members around the world it is hard to believe that the time has passed so quickly and we are already past the halfway mark of 2015. It seems that time is speeding up with every passing year and makes our work-life balance even more important.

Here in Asia our APATAP membership continues to grow as we spread our footprint across the region. Unfortunately, Asia is seeing an increase in the number of terrorist incidents and the rise of the “Home Grown” terrorist phenomenon. We have also seen an increase in the use of social media not only as a means to stalk victims online but as a vehicle for bullying and harassment. I am sure that other TAP members are experiencing similar patterns of threatening behaviour. These types of incidents have seen an increase in the demand for professionals in the field of threat management to support victims and agencies.

In the last half of 2015 I am pleased to be able to represent APATAP at upcoming conferences including the 25^th Anniversary of ATAP in August and CATAP in October where I am looking forward to meeting as many members as possible.

On behalf of the APATAP Management Committee, I would like to extend an invitation to all members to attend the 5th Annual APATAP Conference to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from the 1st to 5th of November 2015. As you are all aware, this will be the first time in our short history that we will be holding our conference outside Australia and this event will certainly cement our reputation as a truly Asia focused Association.

Our committee has been working tirelessly to ensure that we make the conference a truly memorable experience including another stellar line up of international speakers. We are extending the conference to 4 days including a 1-day expert workshop and 3 days for the conference with a keynote speaker on each day.

I am pleased to announce that we have secured the world-renowned Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel as our conference location which is consistently voted as one of the top 5 conference destinations in Asia. Once again this is a first for our Association as the conference will be fully catered and have the latest technologies to ensure a wonderful conference experience.

The conference will start on Sunday afternoon with a reception on the hotel back patio where everyone will have the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones as we watch the sun go down. Everyone will have the opportunity to sample local Thai culture when we take an evening river cruise along the Thaobrawa River and enjoy traditional Thai cuisine dinner and entertainment. Don’t forget your cameras to take photos as we pass by the spectacular Royal Palace and other famous landmarks.

Most importantly all members of the Association will be entitled to a 20% discount on the conference fees. I recommend that you book your place early as we have a set limit of 150 attendees. Please check on the APATAP conference page for further details about the conference. A link to book your accommodation at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel will be posted in the coming weeks.

I look forward to welcoming you all to Thailand in November!

Association of European Threat Assessment Professionals

Conference Recap from President Mr. Totti Karpela & Ms. Lieke Bootsma

Last April AETAP’s 8th annual conference took place in Lucerne, Switzerland. AETAP is always rotating their host city, which turns out to be fantastic. This year it was our second time in Lucerne, but how can you resist a place that is so beautiful? We were delighted to welcome more than 100 participants from all over the world; 18 countries from 5 continents were represented. Last but not least representatives from our sister organizations ATAP, APATAP and CATAP attended. We had high expectations regarding the turnout since we provided simultaneous translation to German and due to this had plenty of participants from our host country and nearby German speaking countries.

Before the main conference, we had a reception at the old city hall, by the river. To our delight, many participants attended the first evening and plenty of networking was conducted.

Switzerland has had several tragic events that are important to remember — the 2001 massacre in Zug and the 2013 workplace mass murder in Lucerne. To start off the conference we had Mr. Martin Boess to introduce the concepts of Swiss threat management. The first day then continued with Dr. Stephen Hart, Dr. Randy Kropp and Ms. Justine Glaz-Ocik each talking about the important aspects of threat assessment. Our first conference evening ended with the Gala dinner on the lake. Weather was fantastic and our guests enjoyed the wonderful view.

The second conference day started with Mr. Jim Cawood presenting threat management team evolution and Dr. Claudia Brandkamp continued with a presentation about how Deutsche Telekom does workplace violence prevention. Following these practical presentations, Dr. Geoff Dean introduced a neurocognition approach to risk assessment and Special Agent in Charge Ron Tunkel presented behavioral analysis techniques for investigating anonymous threatening communications. Dr. Sanne van Dongen and Tanya van Neerbos then lectured about screening and threat assessment of disordered threateners. Our second day was finished with Dr. Vivienne de Vogel lecturing on gender issues in violence risk assessment. The second evening provided an opportunity to enjoy a casual “Swiss fondue night” which was very well attended.

The third day’s first lecturer was Dr. Peter Collins, who introduced the European audience to the concepts of Sovereign citizens and freeman-on-the land. Dr. Nils Böckler then presented a case study of a radicalization case from Frankfurt and Dr. Andreas Frei continued with mass murder and psychological autopsy. Dr. Labuschange presented us with two cases from South Africa and our last presentation of the main conference was focusing on threat assessment and management in ETH Zurich University by Dr. Zimmel Zamboni and Mr. Adrian Meier.

This was the first time in AETAP’s history when we decided to provide two expert seminars with the first seminar focusing on assessing risk for honor based violence using the PATRIARCH and the second seminar focusing on targeting actual case management. Both days had a relatively large group of professionals attending.

Overall the AETAP organizing team was very pleased with the conference and happy to see returning members and to meet new members. We are eagerly looking forward to April 18-22, 2016 for our next conference in Gent, Belgium.

Upcoming Webinars

ConCEpt and ProActive ReSolutions Inc.
“Wednesday Webinar” Series

Violence Risk: HCR-20 V3
Dr. Kevin Douglas
September 16, 2015

Sexual Violence Risk: RSVP/SVR-20
Dr. Randall Kropp
October 7, 2015

Violence Risk in Youth: SAVRY
Dr. Laura Guy
October 28, 2015

Violence Risk: HCR-20 V3
Dr. Kevin Douglas
November 18, 2015

Stalking: SAM/Intimate Partner Violence: SARA/B-SAFER
Dr. Randall Kropp
December 2, 2015

Learn more

Upcoming Events

ProActive ReSolutions Inc.
Foundational Violence Risk Assessment and Management Workshop
September 14-18, 2015
Vancouver, British Columbia
Learn more

ProActive ReSolutions Inc. and WorkSafeBC
Violence Against Health Care Professionals: Protecting Those Who Heal
September 16, 2015
Vancouver, British Columbia
Learn more

Society for Terrorism Research 8th Annual International Conference
September 17-19, 2015
Boston, Massachusetts
Learn more

ATAP Northwest Chapter and CATAP Joint Meeting
September 18, 2015
Vancouver, British Columbia
Learn more

Canadian Association of Threat Assessment Professionals
Annual Conference
October 17-21, 2015
Lake Louise, Alberta
Learn more

Professional Investigators’ Association of BC
October 24, 2015
Victoria, British Columbia
Learn more

Asia Pacific Association of Threat Assessment Professionals
Annual Conference
November 2-5, 2015
Bangkok, Thailand
Learn more

ProActive ReSolutions Inc.
HCR-20 V3 and SAVRY Workshop
November 18-20, 2015
Sydney, Australia
Learn more

BC Collaborates to Stop Domestic and Sexual Violence Conference
December 9-10, 2015
Vancouver, British Columbia
Learn more

Association of European Threat Assessment Professionals
Annual Conference
April 18-22, 2016
Gent, Belgium
Learn more

International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services
Annual Conference
June 21-23, 2016
New York, New York
Learn more
Call for Abstracts

Contribute

We welcome ideas for contributions from all readers. Please e-mail your suggestions to the editor (kwatt@proactiveresolutions.com) or associate editor ([email protected]).
Visit us at www.proactive-resolutions.com