Strategies and recommendations for managing high-risk intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders in British Columbia

High-risk offenders of intimate partner violence (IPV) have the highest probability of engaging in severe violence or causing death (Stewart & Power, 2014). Between 2005 to 2015, 100 deaths occurred in British Columbia as a result of IPV (BC Coroners Service Death Review Panel, 2016). As these high-risk IPV offenders underlying causes of the violence are complex, it is essential to understand strategies that can be used to decrease their likelihood of serious injury or homicide. Various initiatives across North America have been established to classify, monitor and rehabilitate these dangerous individuals; similarly, British Columbia has emphasized the need to focus on high-risk IPV offenders. Although considerable progress has been made, a further emphasis on education, evaluation, and evidence-based practices would be valuable. In addition, British Columbia would benefit from implementing preventative measures such as public awareness campaigns and youth education programs focused on healthy relationships. Lastly, there is a strong need for a national policy on DV to enhance prevention, response, and management of high-risk IPV offenders.