Description

The Victimization Assessment Tool [VAT-10] is an assessment instrument designed to systematically record experiences of victimization and abuse. According to the provided material, the tool is associated with the work of Dr. Mary P. Koss and is intended to examine different forms of violence, including physical, emotional, sexual, and online victimization.

Its use can help document both the presence and frequency of victimization experiences and support a broader understanding of their nature and extent.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the VAT-10 is to provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s experiences of victimization and to help identify possible needs for psychosocial support or further assessment.

The findings may also be used to explore the potential effects of victimization on mental and physical health and to support the development or evaluation of prevention and intervention strategies.

Structure and Areas Assessed

The items address different forms of victimization, including:

  • physical violence,
  • emotional abuse,
  • sexual harassment or violence,
  • online victimization.

This multidimensional approach allows the instrument to capture a broader profile of victimization experiences.

Scoring

Participants respond based on their personal experiences using a five-point Likert scale.

Scores may be used to estimate the frequency or intensity of victimization experiences. Higher scores may indicate greater exposure to violence or abuse, depending on the wording and scoring direction of the individual items.

Data Analysis and Use

Data may be analyzed both as an overall measure and across specific forms of victimization. Analysis may include descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and comparisons between different participant groups.

The VAT-10 may be used in research, educational, or supportive settings to investigate exposure to violence, risk factors, consequences of victimization, and intervention needs.

Its results should not be interpreted in isolation as a clinical diagnosis, but rather as part of a broader assessment process.

Reference

Koss, M. P., Gidycz, C. A., & Wisniewski, N. (1987). The scope of rape: Incidence and prevalence of sexual aggression and victimization in a national sample of higher education students. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 55(2), 162–170.