Victimization Assessment Tool – VAT
Measures history of victimization, safety, social support, and associated risks of self-harm or violence toward others.
Scale Development & Technical Details
Scale Overview
The Victimization Assessment Tool – VAT was developed by Lee Ann Hoff, L. Rosenbaum (1994). It is designed to measure Victimization and associated risk factors. The scale is intended for use with Adults, clinical populations.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 5 items organized into 4 factors/subscales: Victimization History, Support and Safety, Self-Harm Risk, Risk to Others.
| Factor / Subscale | Items | N |
|---|---|---|
| Victimization History | 1,2 | 2 |
| Support and Safety | 3 | 1 |
| Self-Harm Risk | 4 | 1 |
| Risk to Others | 5 | 1 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a dichotomous Yes/No format.
The scale includes 1 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 1 to 5. Interpretation guidelines:
- No experience of physical violence or abuse: 1 – 1
- Experience of abuse/violence with minor physical and/or emotional trauma: 2 – 2
- Experience of abuse/violence with moderate physical and/or emotional trauma: 3 – 3
- Experience of abuse/violence with severe physical and/or emotional trauma: 4 – 4
- Life-threatening or prolonged abuse/violence with very severe physical and/or emotional trauma: 5 – 5
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.