DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INVENTORY-SHORT FORM

Sometimes, offender characteristics (motivation, reading ability and compliance), the evaluation's purpose (court, probation, corrections or treatment) and the assessment milieu or setting call for a short domestic violence test. This is particularly true when domestic violence treatment is mandated. In these settings, we recommend consideration of the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) or the DVI-Short Form.

Objective and Accurate Domestic Violence Offender Assessment

Description

The DVI-Short Form is a brief, easily administered and automated (computer-scored) adult domestic violence offender screening instrument or test. The DVI-Short Form consists of 76 items and takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The DVI-Short Form has six scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 3. Alcohol Scale, 4. Drugs Scale, 5. Control Scale, and 6. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

The DVI-Short Form evolved from the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) and contains variations of the six DVI scales. The DVI-Short Form assesses attitudes and behaviors important in domestic violence offender profiling. Paper-pencil test administration takes on average 17 minutes, and tests are computer-scored on-site within 2½ minutes. The DVI-Short Form was developed specifically for domestic violence offender evaluation. It is much more than just another alcohol and drug test, consequently it measures important attitudes and behaviors missed by other tests.

Six Scales (Measures)

The six DVI-Short Form scales are described as follows:

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how cooperative, open and truthful the offender was while completing the test. It identifies denial, guardedness, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
    
2. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the use of force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies people that are a danger to themselves and others. Within the context of domestic violence, the terms violence and domestic violence are used interchangeably.
    
3. Control Scale: Measures a person’s need to control others. Control refers to the process of regulating, restraining or controlling others. Controlling behaviors include swearing, intimidation, pushing, hitting and battering.
    
4. Alcohol Scale: Measures the severity of alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquors. Alcohol is often involved in instances of domestic violence.
    
5. Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of illicit drug use or abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. Illicit drugs are frequently involved in domestic violence.
    
6. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures a person’s ability to cope with stress, anxiety and pressure. Stress exacerbates mental health symptomatology. This scale is a non-introversive screen for established (diagnosable) emotional and mental health problems.

There are 4 versions of the DVI, and links to each DVI version’s webpage are presented here. Each of these tests is represented in the Alphabetical Listing of Tests and the Functional Grouping of Tests.

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Why Use the DVI-Short Form?

Domestic violence is increasing across the U.S. This trend underscores the abhorrent effects of domestic violence and the importance of accurate assessment. Early detection of domestic violence perpetrators facilitates quicker intervention and treatment. This type of information also helps in deciding upon levels of probation, supervision, counseling, treatment and incarceration.

At one sitting of approximately 15 to 20 minutes' duration, staff can acquire a vast amount of information. The DVI-Short Form collects information on offender acting out (violence), controlling tendencies, substance abuse and stress coping abilities. Early problem identification facilitates timely intervention and improved outcome.

Advantages of Screening

Screening or assessment instruments filter out people with serious problems. This filtering system works as follows:

Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher. These risk range percentiles are based upon over 65,000 people who have taken the DVI and DVI-Short Form. This procedure is fair and avoids extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A state, department or agency's policy might refer clients with identified problems for further evaluation, intervention or treatment services. In this case, 31% of the people screened (Problem Risk and Severe Problem) would be referred. Or, policy might only refer people with serious problems (Severe Problem, 11%) for additional services. In these examples, 69% or 89% (contingent upon adopted policy) of the people screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) services. Low and Medium Risk offenders might benefit from group counseling and/or interactive educational programs. And, as offenders' scores enter Problem (70^th to 89^th percentile) and Severe Problem (90^th to 100^th percentile) ranges, supervision and treatment options also escalate.

Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no compromises in clients receiving appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services. Indeed, more offenders would receive help. Without a screening program, there is usually more risk of over or under-utilization of additional professional services.

DVI-Short Form scales identify areas of concern. These scales (measures) are: 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Violence Scale, 3. Control Scale, 4. Alcohol Scale, 5. Drugs Scale and 6. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

Test Booklets

DVI-Short Form test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 76 items and are written at a 5^th to 6^th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the DVI-Short Form.

Reports

In brief, DVI-Short Form reports summarize the offender’s self-report history, explain what attained scale scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.

Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) reports are printed on-site. These reports summarize a vast amount of information in an easily understood format. For example, reports include a DVI-Short Form profile (graph), which summarizes scale scores at a glance. Also included are attained scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and specific recommendations. In addition, significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to a built-in interview (last sequence of items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood.

To go directly to the example DVI-Short Form report, click on the DVI-Short Form Report link. After reviewing the report, you can return to this section by clicking on the "Return to DVI-Short Form Reports Section" link.

Reliability and Validity

The DVI-Short Form has a proprietary built-in database that insures inclusion of all administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner. Over 65,000 DVI and DVI-Short Form tests' data are represented in the DVI database. These reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis further demonstrates that DVI-Short Form scales are very highly correlated with DVI scales.

The DVI-Short Form scales correlate highly significantly with DVI scale scores.

Correlation coefficients vary from zero to 1, where zero represents no relationship and 1 means the two variables are perfectly related. In the above table, DVI-Short Form scale items were correlated against the DVI scales in this sample of DVI data. DVI-Short Form scales are subsets of DVI scales (same items are in both tests), and they are shown to be highly correlated with the DVI scales. For domestic violence offender assessment, test users now have a choice: DVI or DVI-Short Form.

Internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for DVI-Short Form scales are reported in the following table for 5,311 domestic violence offenders assessed in the year 2002. This is one among several year 2002 samples.

A DVI-Short Form research study is presented at the end of this webpage. To go directly to this research, click the DVI-Short Form Research Study link.

All DVI-Short Form scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. All coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.

Early DVI studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16PF, MacAndrews, MMPI Psychopathic Deviate, Treatment Intervention Inventory, SAQ-Adult Probation III, etc. Much of this research is summarized in the document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."

All DVI scales correlate significantly with corresponding DVI-Short Form scales. The "standard" DVI contains the same six measures or scales in the DVI-Short Form. We refer to the longer original DVI as the "standard test." If interested in the DVI, you can click on the following link to go to the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) webpage.

Research Publication

Nebraska Probation Department's Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) selection process was automated with Risk & Needs tests. These tests include the Driver Risk Inventory-II, SAQ-Adult Probation III, Domestic Violence Inventory and the ACDI-Corrections Version II. Because the DVI-Short Form was derived from the DVI used in the study, this important research is relevant and the results of the study are applicable to the DVI-Short Form. This research is reported in Edward C. Birkel and David L. Wegner's article (2000). "Accurate Intensive Supervision Probation Selection: Revisited." American Probation and Parole Association, Prospectives, Vol. 24, #4 Fall, pp. 18-21. To read this article click on the Perspectives Research Article link.

Software

The DVI-Short Form is available on MS-DOS or Windows diskettes. MS-DOS diskettes contain all their own software. Windows diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which DVI-Short Form data diskettes (25 or 50 tests) are used to score and print reports. Training manuals are provided free, and new test users can be walked through these scoring procedures over Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs') telephone line.

Proprietary DVI-Short Form diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site. Once an account is established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users. Approximately 97% of orders are filled and mailed back to users the same day. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs where the demographics (e.g., gender, ethnicity) and test data are downloaded into the DVI-Short Form database for subsequent database analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all respondent names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all offender names insures protection of each offender’s confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

The "DVI: Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the DVI-Short Form works and should be read by staff. The "DVI: Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses other unique DVI-Short Form computer-related features.

Database

The DVI-Short Form system contains a proprietary built-in database. Earlier, it was noted that all DVI-Short Form used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and the test data is downloaded into the DVI-Short Form database. This expanding database allows ongoing research and testing program summary features that were not possible before. Ongoing research ensures quality control. Annual testing program summaries provide for program self-evaluation.

Annual Summary Reports

Risk & Needs can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics, court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Risk & Needs' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually. An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this Annual Summary Reports link.

Staff Member Input

The DVI-Short Form is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court and adjustment records should be reviewed, as they can contain important information not provided or incorrectly provided by the offender. Experienced staff should also interview the client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each DVI-Short Form report: "DVI-Short Form results are confidential and are considered working hypotheses. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon DVI-Short Form results." The DVI-Short Form is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment.

Why Develop the DVI-Short Form?

Domestic Violence is an all too frequent serious crime. It varies in severity from swearing or pushing to battering. Contributing factors are many and include substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality) propensity, control issues and impaired stress coping abilities. The DVI-Short Form evaluates all of these important areas of inquiry.

Approximately 20+ percent of domestic violence offenders are reading impaired. The 76-item DVI-Short Form is more concise than the DVI. The DVI-Short Form enables many reading impaired offenders to complete the DVI.

Perhaps the biggest reason for developing the DVI-Short Form test was user requests. Many current and potential test users requested that we develop the DVI-Short Form. Risk & Needs spent years developing the DVI-Short Form. And, it wasn't released to the public until Risk & Needs' staff were satisfied with its reliability, validity and accuracy.

Unique DVI-Short Form Features

Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the respondent was while completing the DVI-Short Form. This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. Many domestic violence offenders attempt to minimize their problems. The DVI-Short Form's Truthfulness Scale has been validated with other tests, truthfulness studies and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with. This important scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. Much of this research is reported in the document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."

Truth-Corrected Scores: Have proven to be important in enhancing assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction program is comparable to the MMPI's K-Scale corrections methodology. The DVI-Short Form's Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other five DVI-Short Form scales. The Truth Correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Raw scores reflect what the offender wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the offender is trying to hide. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores.

Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the offender’s propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. It identifies the offender’s danger to self and others. The growing awareness of violence in our society resulted in the inclusion of the Violence (Lethality) Scale in the DVI-Short Form. When screening violence or lethality potential is important, we recommend you use the DVI-Short Form. Within the context of domestic violence, the terms violence and domestic violence are used interchangeably.

Control in psychoanalytic theory is the process of restraining or regulating impulses. In social psychology, control is often a synonym of power or influence. In domestic violence, "control" refers to the process of restraining, regulating or controlling others. Controlling behaviors include, but are not limited to, pushing, swearing, intimidation and hitting. The concept of control has become an important construct in domestic violence research. Consequently, the Control Scale was added to the DVI-Short Form in 1998. The inclusion of the Control Scale is an example of the DVI-Short Form being designed specifically to assess domestic violence perpetrators. The Control Scale adds greatly to our assessment and understanding of domestic violence perpetrators. This important area of inquiry is overlooked by other domestic violence tests.

Substance Abuse Screening is important because alcohol and/or drug use is often associated with domestic violence. The Alcohol Scale identifies alcohol use and measures the severity of abuse. Similarly, the Drugs Scale identifies illicit drug use and measures the severity of abuse.

Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the respondent handles tension, stress and pressure. This scale goes beyond establishing whether or not the respondent is experiencing stress. It determines how well the respondent handles or copes with stress. Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptoms. Consequently, this scale is a non-introversive way to screen established (diagnosable) mental health problems. A client scoring at or above the 90^th percentile on the Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred to a certified/licensed mental health professional for a more comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, as warranted. This important area of inquiry is missed by other domestic violence tests.

DVI-Short Form Scale Interpretation

There are several levels of DVI-Short Form scale interpretation ranging from viewing the DVI-Short Form as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and interrelationships.  Since the DVI-Short Form evolved from the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI), readers are encouraged to examine this discussion on the DVI webpage.  To review the DVI scale interpretation discussion, click on this Scale Interpretation link.  This link goes to the DVI webpage.  You may click on your browsers "Back" button to return to this webpage.

More than just another alcohol or drugs test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the DVI-Short Form assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality), control issues and stress coping abilities. The DVI-Short Form is designed specifically for domestic violence perpetrator assessment.

Three ways to give the DVI-Short Form. The DVI-Short Form can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format. This is the most popular testing procedure. English and Spanish test booklets are available. 2. The DVI-Short Form can be given directly on the computer screen. And, 3. Human Voice Audio involves a computer and a headset. The client uses the up-down arrow keys. As the client goes from question to answer with the arrow keys, that question or answer is highlighted on the monitor (screen) and simultaneously read to the client. These three test administration modes are discussed in the "DVI: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs offers these three test administration modes so test users can select the test administration mode that is best suited to their needs.

Reading impaired assessment. Reading impaired respondents represent 20+ percent of the domestic violence perpetrators tested. This represents a serious problem to other domestic violence tests. In contrast, Risk & Needs has developed a proprietary alternative for reading impaired assessment, which is termed "Human Voice Audio."

Human Voice Audio. Human Voice Audio is available in English and Spanish. It helps resolve many reading and cultural differences issues. A person’s passive vocabulary is often greater than their active (spoken) vocabulary. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce cultural and communication problems. As discussed earlier, "Human Voice Audio" test presentation requires a computer, earphones and simple instructions regarding how to operate the up-down arrow keys located on the computer keyboard. Without this "Human Voice Audio" option, a domestic violence perpetrator testing program could be limited.

Confidentiality: Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete respondent names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes. Once respondent names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the DVI-Short Form database for subsequent analysis. This procedure insures client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

Test Data Input Verification: This proprietary program allows the person that inputs test data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input. In brief, test data is input twice, and any inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are highlighted until corrected. When the first and second data entries match or are the same, the staff person may continue. Use of this data input verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended by Risk & Needs.

Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the DVI-Short Form research has been gathered together in one document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes DVI and DVI-Short Form research chronologically - as the studies were completed.

This innovative chronological reporting format was established largely because of the DVI database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered that year. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the DVI-Short Form into its current state-of-the-art position.

Orientation and Training Manual: The "DVI: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the DVI and DVI-Short Form work. This manual is a must read for staff that will be using the DVI-Short Form. O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: testing instructions, an explanation of how scores are derived, an interpretation of how court and corrections information is used (when available) in scoring methodology, a description of unique DVI-Short Form features and much more.

Computer Operating Guide: Some computer operators want more information than others. Consequently, Risk & Needs provides a One-Page Quick Start, which includes basic instructions for scoring. The Computer Operating Guide contains instructions for using MS-DOS as well as Windows software. This manual discusses hardware, software, scoring, printing reports, unique program features and much more.

Staff Training. Risk & Needs' staff are available to participate in DVI-Short Form training programs scheduled by test users in the United States. Large departments/agencies or statewide programs often are interested in DVI-Short Form training. Sometimes, smaller agencies or departments get together for a joint training session on the DVI-Short Form. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their DVI-Short Form training.

Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk & Needs' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact Risk & Needs at least ten days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.

Automated Criminogenic Structured Interview (ACSI): The ACSI is a structured interview, not a test. The ACSI consists of 65 multiple choice items. It obtains comprehensive background history, pattern of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and criminogenic needs information. Whatever multiple choice item answer that is selected is printed in the ACSI report. Use of the ACSI is voluntary (not required). The ACSI is free. ACSI use is restricted to users of Risk & Needs adult tests. The ACSI is not a test, and it is not to be used as a stand alone test. The ACSI is a structured interview. For more information on the ACSI and to see an ACSI report, click on this ACSI link.

Epilogue

The Domestic Violence Inventory was conceptualized after years of evaluating people accused or convicted of domestic violence for the courts, attorneys, probation and corrections departments as well as counseling and treatment agencies. Years of psychometric research followed.

The goal from the beginning has been to develop a practical, helpful and psychometrically sound instrument. Practical in the sense that it can be completed in a reasonable amount of time; helpful in terms of providing useful information to people working with domestic violence perpetrators; and psychometrically sound with regard to reliability, validity and accuracy. Risk & Needs achieved that goal with the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI). And, in response to test users' requests, Risk & Needs developed the DVI-Short Form.

Risk & Needs staff is proud of the DVI and the DVI-Short Form and believe we have successfully achieved the goals set forth above, i.e., a practical, helpful and psychometrically sound test.

Now, our mission is to maintain these objectives while sustaining the DVI and DVI-Short Form’s state-of-the-art reputation. We are aided in these efforts by both the DVI and the DVI-Short Form’s built-in databases, which facilitate ongoing research.

Hopefully, this dialogue explains why the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) and the DVI-Short Form are two of the very few tests designed specifically for domestic violence perpetrator assessment.

In conclusion, we know that DVI and DVI-Short Form user feedback is important. User feedback has contributed to the design (e.g., 6 scales) and updation (e.g., Control Scale) of the DVI and the development of the DVI-Short Form. We appreciate DVI-Short Form user feedback whether it is by phone, e-mail or letter.

Test Unit Fee (Cost)

DVI-Short Form cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. There is only the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost to the test user. This includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual summary testing reports, staff training, and support services. Do not be misled by some test publishers' à la carte pricing like separate costs for each test administration as well as for each of the test-related items listed above. Instead of asking for the test administration cost, ask for the total cost involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test unit fee is very affordable.

Free Examination Kit

A 1-test DVI-Short Form demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in MS-DOS format so that the software is contained on the diskette. This way, the one-time Windows setup program is avoided at the demo level. The examination kit contains a 1-test demo diskette, test booklet (reusable), an answer sheet (can photocopy), a "DVI: Orientation and Training Manual," One-Page Quick Start and some descriptive information. Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days of receipt. To request a free examination kit, click on the Free Examination Kit Request link.

Support Services

Risk & Needs provides a full range of support services that includes: information dissemination (descriptive materials, demo diskettes and staff presentations); orders (97% returned the same day received); test-related materials (no additional cost); consultation & support of research (free discussion, cooperation and DVI-Short Form-related support); staff training (high volume users and statewide programs' on-site presentations); first time user (telephone walk-through available); ongoing support (software and test-related); DVI-Short Form updates (no additional cost); and other (as long as it is test-related). Risk & Needs is committed to providing DVI-Short Form support services to interested parties and test users.

How to Proceed

To become a Risk & Needs test user, click on the Agreement & Proposals link, click on the Print Client User Agreement button and fax the completed form to (602) 266-8227, or mail your completed form to Risk & Needs. Upon its receipt by Risk & Needs, you become a Risk & Needs test user and can order tests. Established Risk & Needs test users can reorder tests by mail, telephone, fax or e-mail.

Other related links are listed for reference. They are available as needed.

    Test Unit Fee (Cost) webpage link. Explains Risk & Needs' Test Unit Fees or Costs.
    New Client Order webpage link. Explains steps to become a "new Risk & Needs client."
    How to Order webpage link. Explains how Risk & Needs tests can be ordered.

Additional information can be provided upon request. Contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Risk & Needs' telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Selecting a Domestic Violence Offender Assessment Instrument or Test

If you are selecting a domestic violence offender assessment instrument, the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. This checklist itemizes important assessment and screening qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might want to compare to the Domestic Violence Inventory Short Form.

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A THREE-PAGE EXAMPLE DVI-SHORT FORM REPORT FOLLOWS

Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) reports are printed on-site. These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format. For example, reports include a DVI-Short Form Profile (graph), which summarizes scale scores at a glance. Also included are attained scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and specific score-related recommendations. In addition, significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to a built-in interview (last sequence of items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood.

The first page of the DVI-Short Form report begins with the offender's name and some basic demographics like age, gender, ethnicity, education, etc. The DVI-Short Form Profile is centrally positioned on page 1. Each scale is presented by name, the attained score and its graphic representation. This enables experienced users to understand an offender's scores at a glance. The section "Additional Information Provided By Client" refers to self-reported court history. Space is then provided for staff recommendations, signature and date of the evaluation.

The second page of the DVI-Short Form report presents scale paragraphs. Each of these paragraphs gives the attained scale score, explains what that score means and provides specific score-related recommendations. Scale paragraphs include the Truthfulness Scale, Alcohol Scale, Control Scale, Drugs Scale and the Violence Scale.

The third page of the DVI-Short Form report begins with the Stress Coping Abilities Scale paragraph. It also gives the offender's attained score, explains what that score means and presents score-related recommendations. "Significant Items" are presented next. A significant item is a direct admission or an unusual answer to test items. Significant Items are presented for the Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale, Violence Scale and the Control Scale. The "Multiple Choice" follows. These are multiple choice items (#69 to 76), and the offender's answer is printed. It's often interesting to compare the offender's subjective answers with the objective and empirically based scale scores. The DVI-Short Form ends with the reproduction of the offender's answers. This section is called DVI-SF Responses. These answers facilitate an evaluator's questions about how the offender answered certain items.

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To go back the DVI-Short Form Reports section, click the Return to DVI-Short Form Reports Section link.

We hope you found this DVI-Short Form webpage to be interesting and helpful. If you have any questions, please contact us at Risk & Needs. Our address is Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227, and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.