Research on risk assessment for domestic abuse has focused primarily on the
predictive validity of specific tools; less attention has been paid to
implementation of risk tools by practitioners. This paper presents findings from
a mixed methods study in England and Wales. Multi-level modelling reveals an
‘officer effect’ whereby victims’ responses to the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and
Harassment and Honour-Based Violence (DASH) risk assessment are influenced by
the specific officer that completes the assessment. Specifically, this officer
effect is strongest in relation to questions intended to capture elements of
controlling and coercive behaviour, and least apparent in relation to
identifying physical injuries. We further present findings from field
observations and interviews with first response officers that corroborate and
help explain the officer effect. We discuss implications for the design of
primary risk assessments, victim safeguarding, and the use of police data for
predictive modelling.