The Intersection of Firearms and Intimate Partner Homicide in 15 Nations

Abstract

Intimate partners commit approximately one in three homicides against women worldwide. Little is known about situational factors that contribute to intimate partner homicides (IPH) and how they may differ across nations. This article provides a cross-national exploration of one situational factor, the use of firearms in the commission of homicides, and considers whether nations have laws designed specifically to keep firearms out of the hands of batterers. We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed research and governmental and nongovernmental reports for data on weapon use in IPH. Data were located for 15 nations and subnational areas, which varied from firearms being involved in no IPHs in Fiji to 59% in Antalya, Turkey. Seven nations have legislation that addresses gun ownership as it relates to those who have been charged with, convicted of, or show a propensity toward the commission of intimate partner violence. These laws vary in whether domestic violence is a factor considered in whether to allow firearm ownership or whether it served to disqualify ownership. Due to the small number of nations for which data on weapon use in IPH were located, we did not conduct any hypothesis testing. There is a need for detailed homicide surveillance systems among nations so that researchers can explore the epidemiology of these homicides and ultimately identify opportunities for intervention.

Can Victim, Offender, and Situational Characteristics Differentiate Between Lethal and Non-Lethal Incidents of Intimate Partner Violence Occurring Among Adults?

“…Therefore, directing interventions such as strict, comprehensive gun laws toward IPV offenders may prevent IPH as well as homicide more broadly. Indeed, several nations have legislation that addresses gun ownership among those with histories of IPV (Zeoli et al, 2020); however, due to a lack of data, the effect of such laws on reducing homicide is still unknown. As some research has shown heightened gun laws to be counterproductive to reducing IPH (Roberts, 2009), lawmakers should be cautious about this approach until more data are available.…”

Risk Factors for Male Perpetration and Female Victimization of Intimate Partner Homicide: A Meta-Analysis

“…Results from this study support the necessity of enforcing this law. Previous research has found an association between limiting IPV perpetrators’ access to firearms and a reduction in IPH (Vigdor & Mercy, 2006; Zeoli & Webster, 2010; Zeoli, Malinski & Brenner, 2017). Limiting potential IPH offenders’ access to lethal means by enforcing laws prohibiting IPV perpetrators from owning guns is a way to decrease incidences of IPH.…”

Intersectionality and Invisible Victims: Reflections on Data Challenges and Vicarious Trauma in Femicide, Family and Intimate Partner Homicide Research

“…Moreover, given the concern around firearms-related homicide, particularly in rural regions, we have little to no information about firearms used to kill such as whether they were handguns or long guns, if they were licensed, or had been previously seized from the home, and so on (Zeoli et al 2020). Understanding access to firearms as well as relationship dynamics and life situations are key to prevention, but we seldom get this information from official data sources and they may often not be collected, at least consistently, by national statistical agencies or fatality reviews.…”