Publications
Dr. Shaffer has co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles, chapters in edited books, professional manuals, technical and government reports, and assessment tools and instruments for violence risk assessment and offender management.
Her work has been cited over 600 times and featured in top peer-reviewed journals, including Law and Human Behavior, Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, Psychological Assessment, and Psychology of Violence. She is the author of two book chapters in the most recent edition of the Handbook of Violence Risk Assessment, a key resource recommended for professionals pursuing certification in threat assessment.
Articles and Book Chapters
Braley, M. S., Matthew, S., Shaffer, C.S., Aknin, L. & Viljoen, J. L. (2025). Can asking people on probation about their strengths improve alliance, engagement, motivation, and prosocial identify? International Journal of Forensic Mental Health. Advance online publication.
Shaffer, C. S., Viljoen, J. L., & Douglas, K. S. (2022). Predictive validity of the SAVRY, YLS/CMI, and PCL:YV is poor for intimate partner violence among adolescent offenders. Law and Human Behavior, 46, 189-200.
Shaffer, C. S., Gatner, D., McCuish, E., Douglas, K. S., & Viljoen, J. L. (2021). The role of psychopathic features and developmental risk factors in trajectories of physical intimate partner violence. Psychology of Violence, 11, 549-558.
Douglas, K. S. & Shaffer, C. S. (2020). The science of and practice with the HCR-20 V3 (Historical-Clinical-Risk Management-20, Version 3): A comprehensive overview. In R. Otto & K. Douglas (Eds), Handbook of violence risk assessment (Second Edition). New York, NY: Routledge/Taylor Francis.
Shaffer, C. S., Fuller, E. K., & Guy, L. (2020). Brief and emerging violence risk assessment measures. In R. Otto & K. Douglas (Eds), Handbook of violence risk assessment (Second Edition). New York, NY: Routledge/Taylor Francis.
Shaffer, C. S., Douglas, K. S., Fuller, E. K., Blanchard, A. J. E., & Viljoen, J. L. (2019). Do community structural characteristics moderate the association between mental health and the frequency and severity of violent-behavioral outcomes in community respondents? Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36, 1-28. doi:10.1177/0886260519888204
Viljoen, J. L., Cochrane, D., Shaffer, C. S, Muir, N. M., Brodersen, E., Rogers, B. J., Douglas, K. S., Roesch, R., McMahon, R. J., & Vincent, G. M. (2019). Bridging risk assessments to case planning: The evaluation of an intervention-planning tool for adolescents on probation. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 46, 1587-1610.
Viljoen, J. L., Bhanwer, A., Shaffer, C. S., & Douglas, K. S. (2018). Assessing protective factors for adolescent offending: A conceptually-informed examination of the SAVRY and YLS/CMI. Assessment, 27, 959-975.
Gray, A.L., Shaffer, C. S., Viljoen, J. L., Muir, N. M, & Nicholls, T. L. (2018). Assessing violence risk in youth. In J. L. Ireland, C. A. Ireland, & P. Birch (Eds), Violent and sexual offenders: Assessment, treatment, and management (2nd Edition) (pp. 92-113). New York, NY: Routledge.
Bhanwer, A., Viljoen, J. L., Shaffer, C. S., & Douglas, K. S. (2018). The Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits: Reliability, convergent validity, and predictive validity for reoffending in adolescents on probation. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 2, 111-123.
Hanniball, K., Viljoen, J.L., Shaffer, C. S., Bhatt, G., Tweed, R., Aknin, L, Gagnon, N., & Douglas, K. S., & Dooley, S. (2018). The role of life satisfaction in predicting youth violence and offending: A prospective examination. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 46, 42-62.
Viljoen, J. L., Shaffer, C. S., Muir, N. M., Cochrane, D., & Brodersen, E. (2018). Improving case plans and interventions for adolescents on probation: The implementation of the SAVRY and a structured service plan. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 46, 42-62. Advance online publication, 1-21.
Shaffer, C. S., Adjei, J., Viljoen, J. L., Douglas, K. S., & Saewyc, E. M. (2018). Ten-year trends in physical dating victimization among adolescent boys and girls in British Columbia, Canada. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36, 3947-3964.
Shaffer, C. S., Gulbransen, E., Viljoen, J. L., Roesch, R. & Douglas, K.S. (2018). Predictive validity of the MAYSI-2 and PAI-A for suicide-related behavior and non-suicidal self-injury among adjudicated adolescent offenders on probation. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 45, 1383-1403.
Shaffer, C. S., Blanchard, A. J. E., & Douglas, K. S. (2017). Risk assessment, violence, and aggression. In P. Sturmey (Ed.), The Wiley handbook of violence and aggression: Assessment, prevention, and treatment of individuals (pp.1-12). New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Viljoen, J. L., Shaffer, C. S., Gray, A. L., & Douglas, K. S. (2017). Are risk assessment tools sensitive to change? A framework and examination of the SAVRY and YLS/CMI. Law and Human Behavior, 41, 244-257.
Viljoen, J. L., Gray A. L., Shaffer, C. S., Bhanwer, A., Tafreshi, D., & Douglas, K. S. (2016). Does reassessment of risk improve predictions? A framework and examination of the SAVRY and YLS/CMI. Psychological Assessment, 29, 1096-1110.
Penner, E. K., Shaffer, C. S., & Viljoen, J. L. (2016). Questioning fairness: The relationship of mental health and psychopathic characteristics with young offenders’ perceptions of procedural justice and legitimacy. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 27, 354-370.
Shaffer, C. S., Cook, A. N., & Connolly, D. A. (2016). A conceptual framework for thinking about physician-assisted death for persons with a mental disorder. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 22, 141-157.
Shaffer, C. S., Gatner, D., Gray, A. L., Douglas, K. S., Viljoen, J. L., Tweed, R. G., Bhatt, G., Dooley, S. & Gagnon, N. C. (2016). Incremental and predictive validity of the Antisocial Process Screening Device in male and female Caucasian and ethnic minority youth. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 44, 1599-1612.
Blanchard, A. J. E., Shaffer, C. S., & Douglas, K. S. (2016). Decision support tools in the evaluation of risk for violence. In P. Kleespies (Ed.), The Oxford handbook of behavioral emergencies and crises (pp. 262-288). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Viljoen, J. L., Brodersen, E., Shaffer, C. S., & McMahon, R. J. (2016). Risk reduction interventions for adolescent offenders. In K. Heilbrun, D. DeMatteo, & N. Goldstein (Eds.), American Psychological Association handbook of psychology and juvenile justice (pp. 517-555). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Viljoen, J. L., Gray, A. L., Shaffer, C. S., Latzman, N. E., Scalora, M. J., & Ullman, D. (2015). Changes in J-SOAP II and SAVRY scores over the course of treatment for adolescent sexual offending. Sexual Abuse: Research and Treatment, 29, 342-374.
Shaffer, C. S., McCuish, E. C., Corrado, R. R., Behnken, M. P., & DeLisi, M. (2015). Psychopathy and violent misconduct in a sample of violent young offenders [Special Issue]. Journal of Criminal Justice, 43, 321-326.
Professional Manuals and Guides
Shaffer, C. S, Wilson, C. M., Gagnon, N., & Duncan, L. (2022). Gang Intervention and Exiting Program Assessment Tool, Version 3 user manual. Government of Canada
Shaffer, C. S., Kropp, R., Hart, S, Douglas, K. S., & Viljoen, J. L. (2020). Youth Intimate Partner Abuse Risk Assessment Guide: Pilot Version User Manual. Simon Fraser University and Protect International Risk and Safety Services, Inc.
Douglas, K. S., Shaffer, C. S., Blanchard, A. J. E., Guy, L. S., Reeves, K., & Weir, J. (2017). Historical-Clinical-Risk Management 20 violence risk assessment scheme: Overview and annotated bibliography (version 13, 2002 –2017). Historical-Clinical-Risk Management 20 Violence Risk Assessment White Paper Series, #1. Burnaby, BC: Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University.
Bhanwer, A., Shaffer, C. S., & Viljoen, J. L. (2015). Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability: Adolescent Version annotated bibliography. Burnaby, BC: Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University.
Viljoen, J. L., Brodersen, E., Shaffer, C. S., Muir, N. M., & ARROW Advisory Board (McMahon, R., Moretti, M., Vincent, G., Cruise, K., Hilterman, E., Guy, L., Douglas, K. S., Roesch, R., Forth, A., & Rogers, B. J.) (2014). Adolescent Risk Reduction and Resilient Outcomes Work Plan. Burnaby, BC: Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University.
Douglas, K. S., Shaffer, C. S., Blanchard, A. J. E., Guy, L. S., Reeves, K., & Weir, J. (2014). Historical-Clinical-Risk Management 20 violence risk assessment scheme: Overview and annotated bibliography (version 12, 2002 –2016). Historical-Clinical-Risk Management 20 Violence Risk Assessment White Paper Series, #1. Burnaby, BC: Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University.
Technical and Government Reports
Shaffer, C. S., Descormiers, K., & Wilson, C. (2024). Typologies of gang members in the Gang Intervention and Exiting Program. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2024). Issues and constraints with information sharing under the Privacy Act and implications for financial information sharing partnerships. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2024). Money laundering risks in BC economic sectors and financial products. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2022). Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in BC project team after action review. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. & Regional Money Laundering Prioritization Model Steering Committee (2022). Development and overview of a regional money laundering prioritization model in BC. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2022). Forecasted crime trends in the Southeast District of BC. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2022). Better understanding the age and crime relationship among agency targets. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2022). Cost of crimes in Canada: Development of a toolkit for police. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2021). Financial information sharing partnership performance metrics and performance monitoring companion guide. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2021). Anti-money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism regimes in Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Internal report for the Department of Justice Canada.
Shaffer, C. S. (2021). Improving the exchange of financial intelligence information among AML stakeholders. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C.S. (2021). Response to money laundering in BC casinos. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C.S. (2020). Money laundering and proceeds of crime investigations in BC – Response to Part 2 of Cullen Commission statistics request. Government of Canada. Entered as an exhibit in the Cullen Commission hearings.
Shaffer, C.S. (2020). Money laundering and proceeds of crime investigations in BC – Response to Part 1 of Cullen Commission statistics request. Government of Canada
Shaffer, C. S. & Douglas, K. S., (2019). Executive summary of the 2018 Alberta Teachers’ Association bullying and violence experiences survey. Internal report for the Alberta Teachers’ Association.
Shaffer, C. S., Currie, L. B., Clift, R. J. W., & Hemphill, J. F. (2018). Are youth offenders inappropriately incarcerated for nonviolent and nonserious crimes? Internal report for BC Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services.
Shaffer, C. S. & Canadian Psychological Association Task Force on Medical Assistance in Dying and End-of Life-Care (2018). Medical assistance in dying and end-of-life care. Canadian Psychological Association.
Shaffer, C. S., Fuller, E. K., Lyon, D. & Douglas, K. S., (2018). Executive summary of the 2017 British Columbia Teachers’ Federation bullying and violence experiences survey. Internal report for the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation.
Shaffer, C. S., Douglas, K. S., Viljoen, J. L, & Saweyc, E. M. (2018). Risk and protective factors associated with adolescent physical dating violence victimization among British Columbia youth. Internal report for McCreary Centre Society
Shaffer, C. S., Clift, R., Hemphill, J., & Currie, L. (2018). Enhancing services for justice-involved youth: Findings from interviews with youth in custody. Internal report for the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Shaffer, C. S., Clift, R., Hemphill, J., & Currie, L. (2018). Enhancing services for justice-involved youth: Findings from youth criminal justice records. Internal report for the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Assessment Tools and Technologies
Wilson, C. M., Shaffer, C.S., Mudhar, R., Gagnon, N., & Duncan, L. (2020). Gang Intervention and Exiting Program Assessment Tool, Version 3. Government of Canada.
Shaffer, C. S., Kropp, R., Hart, S, Douglas, K. S., & Viljoen, J. L. (2020). Youth Intimate Partner Abuse Risk Assessment Guide. Unpublished assessment tool, Simon Fraser University and Protect International Risk and Safety Services, Inc.
Shaffer, C. S. (2022). Cost of crimes calculator. Government of Canada.
Hemphill, J. F., Clift, R. J. W., Shaffer, C. S., & Currie, L. B. (2018). Appropriateness of Custody Evaluation Checklist. Burnaby, BC: Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services.
Viljoen, J.L., Brodersen, E., Shaffer, C. S., & Muir, N. M. (2015). Needs Match Rating. Burnaby, BC: Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University.
Viljoen, J.L., Muir, N. M., Shaffer, C. S., & Brodersen, E. (2015). Inventory of Best Practices (IBP). Burnaby, BC: Mental Health, Law, and Policy
Viljoen, J. L., Shaffer, C. S., Brodersen, E., & Muir, N. M. (2015). Adherence Checklist for the Evaluation and Reduction of Risk (ACERR). Burnaby, BC: Mental Health, Law, and Policy Institute, Simon Fraser University.
Editorials
Shaffer, C. S. (2025). Introduction to the special issue on artificial intelligence and financial crime. Anti-Money Laundering Review, 2(4).
Shaffer, C. S. (2025). Introduction to the special issue on cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled financial crime. Anti-Money Laundering Review, 2(3).
Shaffer, C. S. (2025). Introduction to the special issue on drug trafficking. Anti-Money Laundering Review, 2(2).
Shaffer, C. S. (2025). Introduction to the general issue on anti-terrorist financing. Anti-Terrorist Financing Review, 1(1).
Shaffer, C. S. (2025). Introduction to the special issue on money laundering in arts and antiquities. Anti-Money Laundering Review, 2(1).
Shaffer, C. S. & Saewyc, E. M. (2018). More boys are hurt by dating violence than girls. The Conversation. Article available at https://theconversation.com/more-boys-hurt-bydatingviolence-than-girls-102829
Shaffer, C. S., Cook, A. N., & Connolly, D. A. (2016). Should medical assistance in dying extend to persons with a mental disorder? Introducing a framework for discussion. [Special Issue]. Psynopsis, 38, 18-19.
Theses
Shaffer, C. S. (2020). Adolescent intimate partner violence: The case for outcome-specific and developmentally informed guidelines to evaluate and manage risk. Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University.
Shaffer, C. S. (2014). Risk and protective factors for youth gang involvement in Canada: An ecological systems analysis. Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University.
Shaffer, C. S. (2010). The effects of feedback on recognition memory: Learning the experimenter’s design. Department of Psychology, University of Victoria
Dr. Catherine S. Shaffer, Ph.D., C.F.C.P. 