Saving Lives: Working across Agencies and Individuals to Reduce Intimate Homicide among those at Greatest Risk

Abstract

This special issue of the Journal of Family Violence offers insights on intimate homicide prevention from leading researchers and practitioners. The insights offered are timely, given the pervasiveness of domestic violence (DV), including some data since the emergence of COVID-19 noting an increase in DV-related cases with severe injury and police calls. Contributors in this special issue argue for interagency advocacy, protection orders, and firearm removal, along with reimagining data capture, risk assessment, firearm protocols, and fatality reviews to improve equitable services and care for DV survivors at the highest risk of homicide.

The impact of stay-at-home orders on safety and stability for women: A topical review of intimate partner violence and intimate femicide in the United States during the initial phase of COVID-19

“…One of the most pertinent recommendations for decreasing IFs involves firearms. Bonomi et al, 2021 , suggested firearm removal from those legally restricted from accessing weapons and getting jurisdictions to create formalized protocols to ensure firearm relinquishment. In addition, Bonomi and colleagues ( 2021 ) call attention to applying an intersectional framework to how fatality review teams [FRT] are arranged and conducted.…”

“…Bonomi et al, 2021 , suggested firearm removal from those legally restricted from accessing weapons and getting jurisdictions to create formalized protocols to ensure firearm relinquishment. In addition, Bonomi and colleagues ( 2021 ) call attention to applying an intersectional framework to how fatality review teams [FRT] are arranged and conducted. According to the National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative (2020), fatality reviews involve a deliberate process of examining domestic violence-related deaths to prevent future deaths.…”

“…Boman IV & Gallupe ( 2020 ) N = 2,726 calls from Maumee Police Department in Ohio during January 1 – May 26, 2020 Study to determine how a smaller city was impacted by crime during COVID-19 lockdowns • Data from the police department revealed an increase in IPV incidents in 2020 • Anecdotal evidence revealed IPV may have worsened as a result of the lockdown 3. Bonomi et al ( 2021 ) Special Issue Article Article providing insights and recommendations to address DV-related homicide, specifically during the pandemic • Article notes the need for improved data and risk identification • Authors suggest using intersectionality to reimagine fatality review data and more equitable media coverage 4. Boserup et al ( 2020 ) Data from U.S. police departments Cursory analysis depicting how stay-at-home orders may affect those experiencing IPV • First responders and other healthcare workers need to be made aware of increasing rates of IPV and media outlets should be utilized to raise awareness • Authors report that further research is needed as limited data exists on this potential connection 5.…”

“…The media’s reporting and portrayal of IPV and femicide face critique. Bonomi et al ( 2021 ) mentioned the need for media to include more equitable coverage of intimate homicides that captures a holistic scope of IPV, not just focusing on younger victims from more affluent communities. A call for fair coverage is notable given the long history of the media’s role in repeating the missing white woman syndrome coined nearly two decades ago by Gwen Ifill and recently exemplified in the reporting of the Gabby Petito case (Robertson, 2021 ).…”

Challenges, Successes, and the Future of Firearm Injury Prevention

“…Although firearm fatality risk is six times higher for men, women are overrepresented among intimate partner homicides, with more than half resulting from firearms. [32][33][34] Finally, US cities are disproportionately affected by firearm homicide, whereas rural settings are disproportionately affected by firearm suicides. [35][36][37] Researchers have identified that although multiple firearm violence risk factors exist across all ecological levels, disparities are largely associated with underlying structural factors at the community and/or societal level.…”