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Female intimate partner homicide: a population-based study.
Kathryn E Moracco1, Carol W Runyan, John D Butts
1Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA. moracco@pire.org
Journal of the American Medical Women'S Association (1972)
|January 30, 2003
Summary
Women face intimate partner homicide risks from current and former partners, with two-thirds of homicides involving prior intimate partner violence (IPV). Legal and healthcare systems need to address these risks.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Criminology
- Public Health
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue.
- Understanding patterns of intimate partner homicide is crucial for prevention efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patterns in female intimate partner homicides.
- To describe victim-perpetrator relationships.
- To determine the prevalence of preceding intimate partner violence.
Main Methods:
- Review of North Carolina medical examiner records (1991-1993).
- Telephone interviews with law enforcement officers.
- Analysis of homicides involving women aged 15 and older.
Main Results:
- Homicides predominantly occurred in homes (80%) and involved firearms (66%).
- IPV preceded two-thirds of homicides; 78% of homicides by former nonmarital partners had prior IPV.
- 106 victims with IPV history had prior contact with legal systems.
Conclusions:
- Women are vulnerable to homicide by current, former, marital, and nonmarital partners.
- Healthcare and legal professionals must recognize IPV and homicide risks.
- Intervention strategies should address IPV across all partner types.