This article first describes the systematic review that informed the development of the multilevel framework of risk for group-based violence (GBV), including violent extremism, set out in the Multi-Level Guidelines (MLG; Cook et al., 2013Cook et al., , 2015. The article then reviews a follow-up confirmatory systematic review of this multilevel framework and the specific content of the 2015 revision of the MLG (Cook et al., 2015). The follow-up confirmatory review found that there is an uneven distribution in the quantity and quality of research on various forms of GBV, that the MLG's domains and factors are relevant to consider when evaluating the risk for GBV, and that the revised version of the MLG had not omitted any strongly supported risk factors for GBV. Together, these reviews indicate the importance of using a comprehensive nested ecological framework in understanding, assessing, and managing risk for extremist violence and other forms of GBV. This article can guide practice and the ongoing development, review, and revision of all new and existing risk assessment tools for violent extremism and other forms of GBV.
Public Significance StatementThis article outlines the research support for a framework of group-based violence (GBV) set out in the Multi-Level Guidelines (MLG). The research indicates that the MLG framework contains relevant factors for threat assessment professionals to consider in their understanding, assessment, and management of risk of violent extremism and other forms of GBV. Using a broad framework that encompasses individuals, the groups to which they belong, and the broader social context appears important in this area of work.