Domestic Violence Assessment Tools
⚠️ If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential support, you can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
Domestic violence can be overwhelming and isolating, but you are not alone. Free, research-based assessment tools can help survivors and professionals better understand the risks, recognize patterns of abuse, and connect with life-saving resources.
Below you’ll find a list of widely used domestic violence assessment tools—including the Danger Assessment, MOSAIC, ACE Quiz, LAP, ODARA, SHARP, SOS Conjugale, and Compensation Compass. Each tool serves a unique purpose, from evaluating risk of homicide to identifying stalking, childhood trauma, or eligibility for financial support.
These tools are not a substitute for professional help, but they can provide clarity, validation, and the first steps toward safety and healing.
The Danger Assessment
Measuring Risk of Intimate Partner Homicide
The Danger Assessment evaluates the level of danger a survivor faces from an abusive partner. It has two parts:
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A calendar that tracks the severity and frequency of abuse, helping survivors recognize patterns.
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A 20-item questionnaire that scores yes/no responses against risk factors for intimate partner homicide.
The tool is available in multiple languages, with a version (DA-1) created specifically for immigrant women.
Check the Danger Assessment
MOSAIC
Assessing Escalation Risk
MOSAIC is a free online tool that compares your situation to thousands of others that have worsened. After answering weighted questions, it generates an immediate report and rates the situation on a scale of 1 to 10.
Originally developed for high-level threat assessment—including U.S. Supreme Court Justices and members of Congress—MOSAIC is now widely used for domestic violence cases.
Visit MOSAIC
Lethality Assessment Program (LAP)
A Supported Intervention for Survivors
Based on the work of Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell, the LAP was created by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence for use by police and advocates.
It involves an 11-question screening followed by a structured process to connect survivors with immediate resources. The CDC recognizes LAP as a “supported intervention” and the Office on Violence Against Women calls it a “leading promising practice.”
Complete the Screening
Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Quiz
Understanding the Impact of Childhood Adversity
The ACE Quiz tallies experiences of abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction. Research by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente found that higher ACE scores are linked to increased risks for health problems, behavioral issues, and limited opportunities later in life.
A high ACE score doesn’t define you, but it helps highlight the resilience needed to overcome adversity.
Complete the ACE Quiz
Stalking and Harassment Assessment and Risk Profile (SHARP)
Confidential Support for Stalking Victims
SHARP is a free, 15-minute online assessment for stalking and harassment situations. Within minutes, participants receive a personalized summary and safety recommendations.
Created in collaboration with survivors, attorneys, advocates, and law enforcement, SHARP aligns with legal definitions of stalking and provides clear next steps.
Check SHARP
Compensation Compass
Exploring Financial Assistance for Survivors
The Compensation Compass helps survivors understand their eligibility for financial assistance. By answering a few short questions, users receive a tailored list of possible compensation programs and steps to pursue them.
Check Compensation Compass