Leaking in Intimate Partner Homicide: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Forensic Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Intimate partner homicides (IPH) are complex offenses with unspecific risk factors.
• Limited research exists on warning signs, specifically "leaking," preceding IPH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify forms, recipients, and media of leaking in intimate partner homicides.
• To explore potential subgroup differences in leaking behaviors.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across eight databases and additional methods.
• Inclusion of 47 relevant publications describing behaviors interpretable as leaking.
• Categorization of leaking behaviors into five broader categories.

Main Results:

• Leaking behaviors, including homicide announcements, previous violence, suicidal ideation, planning, and interest in similar offenses, were identified.
• Information on recipients, media, and subgroup differences was sparse.
• Leaking has not been systematically researched in IPH cases.

Conclusions:

• Leaking is a relevant phenomenon in intimate partner homicides.
• Further systematic research is needed to understand leaking's role in risk analysis and prevention.
• Identifying leaking behaviors can enhance IPH prevention efforts.