ODARA tool reveals high levels of risk

Police data on the first three months of using the ODARA (Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment) tool has revealed much higher levels of risk than expected. NZ Police report, "When the tool was used in Canada, where it was developed, most screened people scored three out of 13 or less, showing the risk of reoffending was fairly low. Here, 40 percent of screened people scored seven or more. A higher score predicts a higher risk of recidivism, and that further offending will happen sooner, more frequently and be more severe."

“This is likely to provoke some questions about the nature and severity of violence in New Zealand compared to other societies,” said Inspector Brigitte Nimmo.

An independent researcher is now auditing the data to check it for accuracy.

'Anti-violence tool flexes its muscle', Ten One, Issue No. 363, November 2012

'New tool reveals risk of repeated domestic violence', Radio NZ, 15/11/12