Violence Risk Scale Sexual Offense Version (VRS-SO)

The VRS-SO is theory based and uses static and dynamic variables to assess sexual offense risk and predict sexual recidivism. Dynamic variables linked to sexual offending are targets for sexual violence reduction treatment.

The VRS-SO can be used both to assess an individual’s presenting risk and, for someone in treatment, a modified Stages of Change model is used to evaluate the individual’s treatment readiness and treatment change. The design of the VRS-SO can help maintain structure and quantitative rigor in forensic risk assessment and treatment.

Research evidence provides sound support for the psychometric properties of the VRS-SO (please see VRS-SO References link below). 

Additional VRS-SO information is also available at the links below:
 

• VRS-SO References 

• VRS-SO User Guidelines

• VRS-SO User Workbook

• Violence Risk Scale – Sexual Offense Version (VRS-SO) Score Sheet 

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – (Under Development)

 To obtain VRS-SO purchase and training information, please refer to the corresponding Purchase information and Training Information tabs.

We have also developed the VRS-SO Offense Analogue/Offence Reduction (OAB/ORB) Guide, a tool that complements that VRS-SO and intended to assess offence-related and/or offence-reduction behaviours within controlled environments such as prisons or forensic facilities, where strong sanctions can inhibit the expression of offence-linked behaviours otherwise observable in community settings. The VRS-SO OAB/ORB Guide assists treatment and correctional staff collectively focus attention on relevant characteristics and behaviours idiosyncratically linked to offending, well as to identify behaviours that are risk-reducing in nature. 

For further information about the VRS-SO or VRS-SO OAB/ORB Guide, please contact Mark Olver: mark.olver@usask.ca