Domestic Violence in Illinois: An Economic and Social Analysis for Informed Policy Interventions

• In Event: Roundtable: Domestic, Gendered, and Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

More than 50% of the perpetrators of mass shootings are also domestic violence perpetrators. The proliferation of handguns renders domestic violence more lethal since most victims tend to experience multiple recurrences. This study explores potential factors associated with domestic violence in 102 Illinois counties. Domestic violence adversely affects productivity and labor force participation as victims struggle with stress and work-related challenges. The lack of human capital in rural counties contributes to a shortage of local social capital, worsening social disorganization in some Illinois counties. The research indicates that domestic violence prevalence decreases when the percentage of individuals with graduate and professional degrees in a county increases. Furthermore, the study reveals that female labor force participation has a more significant impact on domestic violence prevalence than male labor force participation. Therefore, it is crucial to promote advanced and professional education among rural residents, potentially enhancing their earning capacity. This, in turn, could lead to greater family stability and reduced rates of domestic violence.

Author

• Ojonimi Segun Salihu, Western Michigan University