2020-2022, Complete

A Comparison of Firearm-Related Intimate Partner Homicide in Missouri and Oregon: Prevalence, Risk, and the Effect of Firearm Regulations

Affiliated Project

This study will analyze the extent to which firearm access, use, and ownership are risk factors for intimate partner homicide and intimate partner homicide-suicide in Missouri and Oregon, and will examine intersecting risk factors at the family, community, social and environmental levels. This study will describe the unique interplay of factors that increase risk of intimate partner homicide and intimate partner homicide-suicide. This will lead to a more nuanced understanding of firearm-related risk, and inform future evidence-based, multilevel, risk-informed intimate partner homicide and intimate partner homicide-suicide prevention policies and interventions.

Abstract

This case-control study will be conducted in two states (Missouri, Oregon), chosen to provide robust interstate firearm comparisons (regarding ownership/access and relevant firearm laws), and demographic and geographic diversity. We will collect case file and interview data to compare intimate partner homicide (IPH) and intimate partner homicide-suicide (IPH-S) victims (cases) to a random sample of individuals who experienced non-fatal physical intimate partner violence in the past two years (controls). The study will examine the prevalence and describe the context of firearm-related IPH and IPH-S; assess the extent to which firearm access, ownership, and/or use are risk factors for IPH and IPH-S; identify differential patterns of risk between firearm-related and non-firearm related IPH; and examine patterns of gun ownership behaviors and attitudes. Propensity score weighting, logistic regression analysis, and machine learning approaches will be used to identify IPH and IPH-S risk.

This study will increase our understanding of intimate partner homicide and homicide-suicide through the collection and analysis of contemporary, primary data with a focus on firearm ownership/access and applicable gun laws. Findings will inform evidence-based, multilevel, risk-informed approaches to reduce and prevent lethal intimate partner violence outcomes.

Project Team

Jill T. Messing, PhD, MSW, Co-Principal Investigator
Jacquelyn Campbell, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator
April M. Zeoli, PhD, MPH

Funders

National Collaborative for Gun Violence Research

Partners

Arizona State University

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Nursing