Can Victim, Offender, and Situational Characteristics Differentiate Between Lethal and Non-Lethal Intimate Partner Violence?

• In Event: Advances in Violence Against Women and Intimates

Abstract

The current study investigates risk factors that predict the likelihood of homicide occurring as a result of intimate partner violence. Using the 2011 National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data, we estimate a binary logistic regression model comparing homicide by intimate partners to aggravated assault by intimate partners. Several victim characteristics (gender, race, age, resident status), offender characteristics (age, relationship with victim), and situational characteristics (weapon use, offender drug use) differentiated homicide incidents from aggravated assault incidents. The findings provide evidence that characteristics of victims, offenders, and events affect the likelihood of intimate partner homicide, compared to intimate partner aggravated assault.

Authors

• Suzanne Overstreet, University of Louisville

• Susan McNeeley, Minnesota Department of Corrections

• David S. Lapsey, University of Louisville