The RVD-1L1 Form: The "Ritual of Suffering" of the Domestic Violence Victim at First Institutional Contact

This article critically examines the RVD-1L1 risk assessment form used in the first institutional contact with victims of domestic violence in Portugal. Drawing on a qualitative and reflective analysis, the text argues that the form may unintentionally reproduce what can be described as a “ritual of suffering,” in which victims are required to narrate traumatic experiences within a rigid bureaucratic structure. The article questions whether a brief checklist administered during a moment of crisis can adequately capture the complexity of domestic violence, which often involves long-term psychological manipulation, emotional dependency, and economic control. Particular attention is given to how the structure of the questionnaire may shift focus away from the victim’s lived experience and towards procedural validation. The analysis also highlights the absence of multidisciplinary evaluation, arguing that the current system risks overlooking psychological and social harm that cannot be easily documented through visible physical evidence. The article concludes by suggesting that the RVD form should be considered only as an initial screening instrument within a broader intervention framework that includes psychologists, social workers, and legal professionals.