Benjamin Spivak
Biographic Data
| ID | 5986702 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Benjamin Spivak |
| GIVEN NAMES | Benjamin |
| FAMILY NAME | Spivak |
| SIGNATURE | SPIVAK B |
| AFFILIATIONS | Swinburne University of Technology |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-9051-3349 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 19 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 7 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 19 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2018 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 2 |
A descriptive study of individuals accepted by a Fixated Threat Assessment Centre
This study describes the first 352 cases accepted by the Victorian Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (VFTAC), a specialist multi-agency policing and forensic mental health unit established in 2018. VFTAC responds to both fixated individuals whose contact with public figures causes concern and individuals referred from other sources due to concern about their potential for lone actor grievance-fuelled violence (LAGFV). The aim of the study was to e…
A real-world validation of the Risk for Sexual Violence Protocol (RSVP)
This study assessed the concurrent and predictive validity of clinician judgements made using the Risk for Sexual Violence Protocol (RSVP) in routine practice, and examined how they used the guideline. Risk assessments were accessed from the files of 100 men referred to an Australian community forensic mental health service due to sexual violence. Predictive validity was examined at four time points based on police charges, though only 5 men reof…
The predictive validity of the Stalking Risk Profile in everyday practice
The Stalking Risk Profile (SRP) is a structured professional judgment guideline to help practitioners evaluate and respond to risks associated with stalking. Using a sample of 217 Australian adults referred to a community forensic mental health service, this study examined the predictive validity of SRP risk judgments made by assessing clinicians. Discrimination, classification, and prediction statistics were examined at 12-month intervals over a…
Trajectories of Change in Acute Dynamic Risk Ratings and Associated Risk for Recidivism in Paroled New Zealanders
Police-reported family violence victimisation or perpetration and mental health-related emergency department presentations
Police-recorded family violence is associated with increased mental health-related emergency department presentations over the short-to-medium term. Strengthened cross-sector collaboration is needed to identify, address, and refer individuals with overlapping family violence and mental health needs and to improve victims' and perpetrators' access to community mental health and related services. This should help prevent individuals from reaching a…
Validation of an Actuarial Instrument to Predict Repeat Family Violence for Frontline Police
Purpose Police are increasingly tasked with identifying, responding to, and preventing intimate partner and family violence (IPFV). Several police organisations have adopted validated risk assessment instruments to assist frontline police officers to assess and manage the risk of future IPFV. This paper reports a population-based evaluation of the predictive and discriminative validity of an actuarial risk assessment instrument, the Victoria Poli…
Differentiating crossover youth
Assessing Risk of Family Violence by Young People
Police-reported incidents of youth family violence have been increasing in frequency yet limited research exists about how best to risk assess this cohort. The present study examined the validity of the Victoria Police Screening Assessment for Family Violence Risk (VP-SAFvR) for Australian youth aged 10 to 24 years ( n = 4,999) reported to police for using family violence. The 6-month base rate of family violence recidivism was 24.24% for same-dy…
Characteristics of Young People who use Family Violence in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Purpose There is a lack of research examining age-related differences in the characteristics of young people who use family violence between key developmental periods. This study provides a population-based descriptive overview of young people who come to police attention for using family violence and examines how characteristics differ across early adolescence (10–14 years), late adolescence (15–19 years) and young adulthood (20–24 years). Metho…
The cross-cultural fairness of the LS/RNR
OBJECTIVE: Cross-cultural research into risk assessment instruments has often identified comparable levels of discrimination. However, cross-cultural fairness is rarely addressed. Therefore, this study explored the discrimination and fairness of the Level of Service/Risk, Need, Responsivity (LS/RNR) within a sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. HYPOTHESES: We hypothesized that discri…
Exploring the utility of the YLS/CMI for Australian youth in custody according to child protection history
The Relevance of Prior Offending to Risk and Need in Youth Family Violence
Purpose The present study examines differences in the characteristics and recidivism risk of young people reported to police for family violence (FV) with a history of prior offending (generalists) and those only known to police for using FV (family-only). Method A population-based cohort of youth aged 10–24 years ( N = 5014) who were reported to police for using FV over a four-month period in 2019 was examined and FV-related risk and need data e…
Finding Colour in Conformity Part II—Reflections on Structured Professional Judgement and Cross-Cultural Risk Assessment
There has been an increasing interest in cross-cultural risk assessment over the past 5 years. Much of this has been driven by concerns that particular risk instruments may be biased against, or ill-suited to, non-White offending populations. A growing body of work has asserted that unique cultural-specific risk factors and experiences may not be adequately considered within current risk assessment frameworks which have led to calls to culturally…
Exploring presentation differences in multi-cultural youth seeking assistance for mental health problems
In help-seeking mainstream youth populations, cultural differences across clinical and environmental factors appear to be minimal
Are Psychological Treatments for Adults With Histories of Violent Offending Associated With Change in Dynamic Risk Factors? A Meta-Analysis of Intermediate Treatment Outcomes
This meta-analysis examined whether psychological treatments delivered to adults with histories of violent offending in correctional and forensic mental health settings were related to change in dynamic risk factors. Twenty-two controlled studies (86% comprised male samples) were identified via a comprehensive search. Treatments had a significant effect overall, with small to moderate improvements in trait anger, social problem solving, impulsivi…
Estimating the extent and nature of offending by Sudanese-born individuals in Victoria
The involvement in crime of some young Sudanese-born Victorians has received sustained public attention in recent years. The media coverage of these occurrences has been extensive, with some outlets criticised for sensationalist reporting and prejudiced undertones. A range of views were held across the commentariat including, for example, the notion that Sudanese-Victorian criminal involvement has been overstated; that some level of justice over-…
Implementing evidence-based practice in policing family violence
Frontline police officers who attend domestic violence incidents face a considerable challenge in effectively determining the extent to which limited police resources should be invested in further assessment and management of a case to ensure safety. Assessing the risk of future family violence has been proposed as a way of deciding which cases police should focus their management efforts on. However, risk assessment based on police judgement alo…
The Impact of Fact‐Based Instructions on Juror Application of the Law
Objective Over the past five decades, numerous researchers in common‐law jurisdictions have reported that jurors often fail to understand and apply the law presented to them by the trial judge. Several researchers have attempted to improve understanding of the law through revising language and utilizing instructional aides. The present study examines a novel method of instructing the jury, known as the “fact‐based” approach, which embeds legal co…
Identifying the prevalence and predictors of suicidal behaviours for indigenous males in custody
The prevalence of suicidal behaviours among Indigenous people in custody is remarkably high. Correlates of suicidal behaviours for Indigenous people in custody in this study likely manifest in the community, denoting an urgent public health response. Prevention must begin in communities at-risk for suicidal behaviours. The development of low intensity mental health service infrastructure in communities to promote awareness and provide accessible,…
Characteristics of Young People who use Family Violence in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Purpose There is a lack of research examining age-related differences in the characteristics of young people who use family violence between key developmental periods. This study provides a population-based descriptive overview of young people who come to police attention for using family violence and examines how characteristics differ across early adolescence (10–14 years), late adolescence (15–19 years) and young adulthood (20–24 years). Metho…
Exploring the utility of the YLS/CMI for Australian youth in custody according to child protection history
The Relevance of Prior Offending to Risk and Need in Youth Family Violence
Purpose The present study examines differences in the characteristics and recidivism risk of young people reported to police for family violence (FV) with a history of prior offending (generalists) and those only known to police for using FV (family-only). Method A population-based cohort of youth aged 10–24 years ( N = 5014) who were reported to police for using FV over a four-month period in 2019 was examined and FV-related risk and need data e…
Implementing evidence-based practice in policing family violence
Frontline police officers who attend domestic violence incidents face a considerable challenge in effectively determining the extent to which limited police resources should be invested in further assessment and management of a case to ensure safety. Assessing the risk of future family violence has been proposed as a way of deciding which cases police should focus their management efforts on. However, risk assessment based on police judgement alo…
Identifying the prevalence and predictors of suicidal behaviours for indigenous males in custody
The prevalence of suicidal behaviours among Indigenous people in custody is remarkably high. Correlates of suicidal behaviours for Indigenous people in custody in this study likely manifest in the community, denoting an urgent public health response. Prevention must begin in communities at-risk for suicidal behaviours. The development of low intensity mental health service infrastructure in communities to promote awareness and provide accessible,…
Are Psychological Treatments for Adults With Histories of Violent Offending Associated With Change in Dynamic Risk Factors? A Meta-Analysis of Intermediate Treatment Outcomes
This meta-analysis examined whether psychological treatments delivered to adults with histories of violent offending in correctional and forensic mental health settings were related to change in dynamic risk factors. Twenty-two controlled studies (86% comprised male samples) were identified via a comprehensive search. Treatments had a significant effect overall, with small to moderate improvements in trait anger, social problem solving, impulsivi…
Estimating the extent and nature of offending by Sudanese-born individuals in Victoria
The involvement in crime of some young Sudanese-born Victorians has received sustained public attention in recent years. The media coverage of these occurrences has been extensive, with some outlets criticised for sensationalist reporting and prejudiced undertones. A range of views were held across the commentariat including, for example, the notion that Sudanese-Victorian criminal involvement has been overstated; that some level of justice over-…
Implementing evidence-based practice in policing family violence
Frontline police officers who attend domestic violence incidents face a considerable challenge in effectively determining the extent to which limited police resources should be invested in further assessment and management of a case to ensure safety. Assessing the risk of future family violence has been proposed as a way of deciding which cases police should focus their management efforts on. However, risk assessment based on police judgement alo…
The Impact of Fact‐Based Instructions on Juror Application of the Law
Objective Over the past five decades, numerous researchers in common‐law jurisdictions have reported that jurors often fail to understand and apply the law presented to them by the trial judge. Several researchers have attempted to improve understanding of the law through revising language and utilizing instructional aides. The present study examines a novel method of instructing the jury, known as the “fact‐based” approach, which embeds legal co…
Finding Colour in Conformity Part II—Reflections on Structured Professional Judgement and Cross-Cultural Risk Assessment
There has been an increasing interest in cross-cultural risk assessment over the past 5 years. Much of this has been driven by concerns that particular risk instruments may be biased against, or ill-suited to, non-White offending populations. A growing body of work has asserted that unique cultural-specific risk factors and experiences may not be adequately considered within current risk assessment frameworks which have led to calls to culturally…
Exploring presentation differences in multi-cultural youth seeking assistance for mental health problems
In help-seeking mainstream youth populations, cultural differences across clinical and environmental factors appear to be minimal
The cross-cultural fairness of the LS/RNR
OBJECTIVE: Cross-cultural research into risk assessment instruments has often identified comparable levels of discrimination. However, cross-cultural fairness is rarely addressed. Therefore, this study explored the discrimination and fairness of the Level of Service/Risk, Need, Responsivity (LS/RNR) within a sample of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males. HYPOTHESES: We hypothesized that discri…
Exploring the utility of the YLS/CMI for Australian youth in custody according to child protection history
The Relevance of Prior Offending to Risk and Need in Youth Family Violence
Purpose The present study examines differences in the characteristics and recidivism risk of young people reported to police for family violence (FV) with a history of prior offending (generalists) and those only known to police for using FV (family-only). Method A population-based cohort of youth aged 10–24 years ( N = 5014) who were reported to police for using FV over a four-month period in 2019 was examined and FV-related risk and need data e…
Assessing Risk of Family Violence by Young People
Police-reported incidents of youth family violence have been increasing in frequency yet limited research exists about how best to risk assess this cohort. The present study examined the validity of the Victoria Police Screening Assessment for Family Violence Risk (VP-SAFvR) for Australian youth aged 10 to 24 years ( n = 4,999) reported to police for using family violence. The 6-month base rate of family violence recidivism was 24.24% for same-dy…
Characteristics of Young People who use Family Violence in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Purpose There is a lack of research examining age-related differences in the characteristics of young people who use family violence between key developmental periods. This study provides a population-based descriptive overview of young people who come to police attention for using family violence and examines how characteristics differ across early adolescence (10–14 years), late adolescence (15–19 years) and young adulthood (20–24 years). Metho…
Trajectories of Change in Acute Dynamic Risk Ratings and Associated Risk for Recidivism in Paroled New Zealanders
Police-reported family violence victimisation or perpetration and mental health-related emergency department presentations
Police-recorded family violence is associated with increased mental health-related emergency department presentations over the short-to-medium term. Strengthened cross-sector collaboration is needed to identify, address, and refer individuals with overlapping family violence and mental health needs and to improve victims' and perpetrators' access to community mental health and related services. This should help prevent individuals from reaching a…
Validation of an Actuarial Instrument to Predict Repeat Family Violence for Frontline Police
Purpose Police are increasingly tasked with identifying, responding to, and preventing intimate partner and family violence (IPFV). Several police organisations have adopted validated risk assessment instruments to assist frontline police officers to assess and manage the risk of future IPFV. This paper reports a population-based evaluation of the predictive and discriminative validity of an actuarial risk assessment instrument, the Victoria Poli…
Differentiating crossover youth
A descriptive study of individuals accepted by a Fixated Threat Assessment Centre
This study describes the first 352 cases accepted by the Victorian Fixated Threat Assessment Centre (VFTAC), a specialist multi-agency policing and forensic mental health unit established in 2018. VFTAC responds to both fixated individuals whose contact with public figures causes concern and individuals referred from other sources due to concern about their potential for lone actor grievance-fuelled violence (LAGFV). The aim of the study was to e…
A real-world validation of the Risk for Sexual Violence Protocol (RSVP)
This study assessed the concurrent and predictive validity of clinician judgements made using the Risk for Sexual Violence Protocol (RSVP) in routine practice, and examined how they used the guideline. Risk assessments were accessed from the files of 100 men referred to an Australian community forensic mental health service due to sexual violence. Predictive validity was examined at four time points based on police charges, though only 5 men reof…
The predictive validity of the Stalking Risk Profile in everyday practice
The Stalking Risk Profile (SRP) is a structured professional judgment guideline to help practitioners evaluate and respond to risks associated with stalking. Using a sample of 217 Australian adults referred to a community forensic mental health service, this study examined the predictive validity of SRP risk judgments made by assessing clinicians. Discrimination, classification, and prediction statistics were examined at 12-month intervals over a…
Psychology (14 works) · Medicine (11 works) · Poison control (10 works) · Intimate Partner and Family Violence (9 works) · Suicide prevention (8 works) · Injury prevention (7 works) · Medical emergency (7 works) · Political science (7 works) · Child Abuse and Trauma (6 works) · Clinical Psychology (6 works)