Which of the following is NOT listed as a risk escalation indicator in IPV that professionals should monitor?

• A. Improved safety planning
• B. Increasing severity/frequency of violence
• C. New use of weapons
• D. Threats to pets or family

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding what signals violence is getting worse and requires heightened safety response. In IPV risk monitoring, indicators of escalation include behaviors like violence becoming more severe or more frequent, the introduction of weapons into the abusive dynamic, and threats directed at pets or family members—these show the danger is increasing and safety plans may need urgent revision.

Improved safety planning, on the other hand, reflects the survivor taking proactive steps to reduce risk and increase safety. It’s a protective action and a sign of engagement with safety strategies, not a sign that the violence is escalating. That’s why it’s not listed as an escalation indicator.

So, while increasing violence, new weapon use, and threats to others are red flags signaling escalation, improved safety planning is a protective, positive response rather than an escalation cue.