Only 4% of abused victims had used a domestic violence hotline or shelter within the year prior to being killed by an intimate partner. – Sharps, P. W., et al. (2001). Health care providers’ missed opportunities for preventing femicide. Preventive Medicine 33, 373-80.
In the year prior to the homicide, more than 44% of abusers were arrested, and almost one-third of victims contacted the police.
Sharps, P. W., et al. (2001). Health care providers’ missed opportunities for preventing femicide. Preventive Medicine 33, 373-80.
Danger Factors for Intimate Partner Homicide:
- Jealousy
- Substance Abuse (drugs and/or alcohol)
- Possession of a Firearm
- Depression/Suicidal Ideation of Abuser
- Materially Motivated (Wealth/Lifestyle Retention – Fear of Loss of Image/Assets/Status due to Divorce)
- Prior History of Violence
- Less Fear of Legal Consequences
- Desperation
- Family History of Domestic Violence Exposure in Childhood
Dr. David Adams
Dr. David Adams is the author of the book Why Do They Kill?: Men Who Murder Their Intimate Partners. He is the co-founder as well as Co-Director of Emerge, the first counseling program in the nation for men who abuse women; it was established in 1977.
Risk Assessment
- Identification of High Risk of Lethality Cases
- Prevention
- Safety Planning
- Fatality Review – data not present in criminal justice records, medical records, typically only able to gain insight from family members. Researcher should be on team to analyze data, publish findings for other teams and communities.
- Most (70%) IPV violence is never reported or documented, which is why collecting information from family members is critical. Very important to family members. Most want to participate so that their loved one’s death is not in vain. Prevention.