NCJ Number
182267
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2000 Pages: 409-426
Date Published
April 2000
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study investigated U.S. trends in intimate partner homicide stratified by relationship type and race during the period 1976 to 1995.
Abstract
Data sources were the Supplemental Homicide Reports and the United States Current Population Survey. Rates of homicide victimization decreased during the past 20 years among all intimate partners except for white, unmarried females. Across the 20-year study period, most victims of intimate partner homicides were killed by their spouses, with the remainder being killed by heterosexual unmarried partners, ex-spouses, and same-sex partners. Although significant decreases in homicide victimization rates were found among spouses, unmarried partners, and ex-spouses, these decreases were most pronounced among male victims. Husbands and ex-husbands experienced approximately twice as large a percentage homicide-rate decrease as did wives and ex-wives. Boyfriends experienced almost three times as large a percentage homicide-rate decrease as did girlfriends. Blacks experienced a significantly greater decrease in homicide-victimization rate than did whites. There is some empirical support for the increased availability of options for leaving an abusive relationship as an explanatory factor for the decrease in partner homicides. Specifically, studies have found that the increased availability of shelters and legal assistance, as well as women's enhanced socioeconomic status, are associated with such declines. 6 tables and 22 references