Using the Lethality Assessment Program to Assess Victim Danger

South Carolina’s rate of female victims killed by males continues to top the national average and more than 95 percent of women know the men who murder them.

Developed by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV), the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) database is a free evidence-based screening tool that helps law enforcement officers responding to domestic violence prevent intimate partner homicide by assessing a victim’s risk of serious injury or homicide and immediately connecting them with a local program. 

How the LAP Works:

  • If a first responder suspects a domestic violence victim may be in danger, the officer will ask the victim to complete the LAP’s 11-question, evidence-based Lethality Screen to quickly assess their risk of serious injury or homicide.  
  • If the victim is identified as “high-danger” based on their answers, the first responder will privately relay the concern for their safety and contact the local domestic violence agency hotline from the scene to connect the victim with services and support. 

As the LAP statewide coordinator, SCCADVASA partners with law enforcement agencies across SC to expand use of this life-saving approach to responding to domestic violence incidents. This innovative tool may be used by trained officers and other first responders including law enforcement victim advocates (LEVAs), hospital staff, social workers, and community advocates.  

“Every minute counts for victims experiencing domestic violence. The Lethality Assessment Program’s ability to help first responders assess a victim’s level of danger and connect them with critical resources at the scene saves lives.” – Sara Barber, SCCADVASA Executive Director

“We want to try to give victims an avenue, give them services, and give them the courage to get out of the situation that they’re in.” – Major Art Littlejohn, Spartanburg Police Department speaking on his department’s use of the LAP 

LAP in the News

WIS-TV: “Advocates urge SC law enforcement to use tool to prevent domestic violence deaths” 

WACH FOX 57: “South Carolina urged to adopt program to curb domestic violence deaths” 

Additional Resources and Education

Effectiveness of the Lethality Assessment Program: Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) Position Paper 

Implementing the Lethality Assessment Program 2.0 

Implementation Readiness Checklist  

Want to Learn More?

If you are a South Carolina first responder interested in using the LAP in your community, please complete the online LAP Interest Form or contact Charity Collier at ccollier@sccadvasa.org.