Progressing from intimate partner violence to mass homicide: establishing an empirical connection

• In Event: Mass Shootings and the Media

Abstract

Recent media reports have attempted to link mass murderers and intimate partner violence (IPV). However, few researchers have explored this possible connection empirically. This research study uses descriptive and inferential analyses of a sample of mass shooters to explore whether or not these individuals had reported histories of IPV, as well as their offending, adjudication, and outcome patterns. In addition, this research uses content analysis to explore media constructions of these incidents. The news media play an important role in shaping information for the public, and is often the foundation upon which causal attributions for violent crimes is established. How the media choose to portray mass killings has a dramatic effect on public perception of criminal justice issues. Therefore, the findings of our research emphasize the importance of using empirically-based analyses to not only effectively report such crimes, but to further advance our current understanding and identification of these offenders.

Authors

• Elizabeth Gurian, Norwich University

• Emily Meyer, Norwich University