Luiz, recently released after serving time for violent offenses, meets with Officer Wälchli for a risk assessment aimed at preventing future violence, especially towards his new girlfriend. Wälchli emphasizes the importance of monitoring Luiz’s behavior and guiding him towards a structured life, while also addressing the impact of risk assessment talks in reducing stalking and domestic violence. Luiz expresses a commitment to change, seeking therapy and establishing a supportive environment as he strives for a better future.
Luiz’s Journey to a Safer Future
Luiz awaits in the entrance hall of the modern concrete structure housing the Winterthur city police, when Officer Oliver Wälchli descends the stairs to meet him. Accompanying Luiz today is his new girlfriend, whom he has known for three months. Their relationship blossomed just before Luiz was incarcerated for two months due to threats, coercion, and repeated assaults. Now that he is out, the couple is determined to build a future together, despite Luiz’s complicated past, which includes two children from previous relationships.
Officer Wälchli greets both with a warm demeanor, engages briefly with the girlfriend, and then invites Luiz to join him in the meeting room on the first floor. Meanwhile, the girlfriend settles into the entrance area. The purpose of Luiz’s appointment is a risk assessment discussion—an important step in addressing potentially dangerous individuals. During this structured conversation, the police inform Luiz that they are monitoring his behavior and that any further escalation could lead to serious legal repercussions. The primary aim of these discussions is to prevent violent incidents by identifying and defusing emerging threats early on. This is not Luiz’s first risk assessment talk; he has a history with these meetings, and Wälchli has known him for years.
Understanding Risk Assessment Talks
Officer Wälchli, the head of violence protection at Winterthur city police, specializes in conducting these risk assessment talks. Today’s meeting revolves around the futures of both Luiz and his new girlfriend, whom Wälchli is particularly concerned about due to Luiz’s past involvement with domestic violence, which has included threats and physical abuse. Wälchli’s mission is to prevent any potential violence from Luiz towards his girlfriend. Regular conversations serve as reminders for Luiz to focus on his goals: leading a structured life, avoiding criminal activity, steering clear of problematic social media, and eliminating substance use.
Wälchli remains vigilant during these discussions, noting any warning signs that could signal a shift towards violence. “Changes in character or subtle threats can indicate a risk for violent behavior,” he explains. Historically, violent crimes do not occur in a vacuum, as evidenced by several tragic incidents in Zurich, where police had prior knowledge of the perpetrators but failed to take adequate measures to protect victims.
In cases of stalking, risk assessment talks have shown significant effectiveness. Wälchli believes these conversations are particularly impactful in addressing stalking behaviors. The Winterthur city police have established a reputation for leading the charge against stalking, ensuring that all reported harassment cases are referred to the violence protection department. Victims are encouraged to report any feelings of being threatened, allowing the police to confront individuals exhibiting harmful behaviors directly.
Research supports the effectiveness of these risk assessment discussions in reducing stalking behaviors. Psychologist May Beyli has noted that such talks can lead to a 50 to 70 percent reduction in stalking incidents. Natalie Schneiter from the domestic violence and stalking counseling center corroborates this success, noting that 50 percent of stalkers alter their behavior following a risk assessment talk. Particularly among ex-partners, who represent 46 percent of stalking cases, police intervention can disrupt harmful fixation patterns.
Even in the context of stalking, risk assessment talks aim to avert violence. Warning signs such as online stalking behaviors transitioning to physical presence at a victim’s residence are critical indicators of potential escalation. According to Beyli, a significant percentage of stalking cases have histories of domestic violence, often characterized by controlling behaviors that persist after a relationship ends.
As Luiz works through his challenges, the outcome of his risk assessment talks remains uncertain. Wälchli listens intently as Luiz expresses his desire to return to therapy and continue medication that helps him manage stress. Luiz has been proactive in his first few days of freedom—visiting family, resuming fitness activities, and starting a new apprenticeship. When asked about his fears of relapsing into violence, Luiz confidently states, “I have matured, and this is my last chance; I want to make it count.” With a regulated job, a supportive environment, a new home, and a committed relationship, Luiz is on a path towards a hopeful future.