"Everything That Is Here, I Have Lived": A Triangulated Analysis of an Intimate Partner Violence Assessment Tool in Curitiba, Brazil

Using a mixed-methods triangulation approach we piloted the Composite Abuse Scale-Brazilian version (CAS-Brazil) at the House of the Brazilian Woman of Curitiba among 62 survivors of intimate partner violence and four professionals serving survivors to assess its feasibility for use. Quantitative data were tabulated using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were recorded, coded, and thematically analyzed. Four qualitative domains emerged: (a) conceptual understanding; (b) item definitions; (c) women's experiences; and (d) professionals' perspectives. Comprehension of the CAS-Brazil appeared high across participants from diverse backgrounds. Professionals viewed it as highly feasible for use in Brazilian cross-sectoral services to support survivor decision-making.

"These Questions Have Everything That Happens to me": Analysis of a Femicide Risk Assessment Tool for Abused Women in Brazil

PURPOSE

The purpose of this mixed-methods triangulation study was to assess the face validity and comprehension of a femicide risk assessment tool, the Danger Assessment-Brazil (DA-Brazil) among women seeking care in a one stop center for abused women in Curitiba, Brazil. Our secondary aim was to assess professionals' perceptions of feasibility for using the DA-Brazil in the same setting.

METHOD

Fifty-five women experiencing relationship violence completed the instrument and participated in cognitive interviews about their experience; professionals attending survivors were also interviewed.

RESULTS

The vast majority of women described the DA-Brazil instrument as being easy to comprehend (n = 41, 73.2%). Nearly half of participants (n = 26, 46.4%) had some kind of question regarding the DA-Brazil calendar, a tool to visualize abuse frequency and severity. Queries aligned with five categories: recollection of dates, scale, relationship status, terminology, and discomfort. Professionals reported that the DA-Brazil instrument would support referral decision-making.

CONCLUSION

The overall face validity and comprehension of the DA-Brazil appears to be high. The majority of challenges were around the calendar activity. Professional perceptions of the DA-Brazil suggest a high degree of feasibility for its use in Brazilian healthcare settings. In order for the DA-Brazil to effectively be administered with facilitated support there is a need for training on the best use of the instrument. Accurate assessment of femicide risk is critical in a country like Brazil with high rates of femicide. The DA-Brazil provides a valid assessment of femicide risk and has the potential to trigger early intervention for those at risk.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10896-021-00313-1.