Research

Dr. Theresa Messing of Arizona State University presents on the topic of Guns and Intimate Partner Violence.  Dr. Messing addresses risks, stalking, strangulation, impact on children, and other factors.  This Powerpoint can be viewed at:

Guns and Intimate Partner Violence

Excerpts:

• —Over the past 25 years in the U.S., more intimate partner homicides have been committed with guns than with all other weapons combined (Zeoli, 2013)

—       Guns are the most frequent means of killing an intimate partner:

• —57.4% of intimate partner femicides are committed with a gun
• —Ex-wives are killed with a firearm in 77% of cases  (Fox & Zawitz, 2004)
• —In cases of homicide, the perpetrator was 7.59 times more likely to own a gun (Campbell et al., 2003)
• —When previous domestic violence exists, gun ownership increases risk up to 20 times (Kellerman et al., 1993)
• —Taking other variables into consideration, the use of a gun increases the risk of fatality more than 40 times (Campbell, 1995)
• —Risk increases when the victim physically leaves the relationship OR begins steps toward legal separation; risk is greatest when both of these things occur (Wilson & Daly, 1993)
• Highest risk is in the first 3 months, and in the first year after separation, but eventually more safe (Wilson & Daly, 1993; Wilson et al., 1995)

Researchers at the University of Texas – Austin, Sarah Goodrum Ph.D. and Mark Stafford, Ph.D. researched the topic of Homicide, Bereavement, and the Criminal Justice System.  Their findings can be explored here:  Homicide, Bereavement, and the Criminal Justice System