Domestic violence homicide in Oklahoma: 1998-1999

Domestic violence homicide is a significant public health issue for healthcare providers. The objective of this study was to review all domestic violence homicides in Oklahoma from 1998-1999 in order to identify strategies to prevent domestic violence homicides.

All domestic violence homicides from the years 1998-1999 were identified and reviewed by the Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board (ODVFRB) through records provided by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) list of homicides resulting from domestic violence. In addition eleven other sources were utilized to compliment the OSBI data.

The ODVFRB reviewed 113 domestic violence fatalities in Oklahoma for the years 1998-1999. Of the 113 cases reviewed, 69 (61%) were committed by intimate partners (IP) and 44 (39%) were committed by other family members. Sixty-two percent of perpetrators had a documented history of committing domestic violence. Law enforcement had responded to domestic disturbances before the death event in at least 32% of the fatal cases. Firearms were used in 59% of the homicides.

Through in depth multidisciplinary review of domestic violence homicide cases and subsequent system changes, domestic violence deaths can be prevented.