Intimate partner homicide

Even though women are far more likely to be killed by an intimate partner than by anyone else, Intimate Partner Homicide (IPH) is an infrequent occurrence, even in at-risk populations. However, the majority of IPHs do not occur without warning signs. Identifying valid risk factors for IPH is fundamental in order to mitigate the risk, and increase the potential to prevent IPH. Authors within the field of intimate partner violence and IPH have called for investigation of “the violence process”, examining the nature of the violent relationship, events and conditions preceding the intimate partner violence episode or an IPH, and motivations and outcomes of these fatal acts. This chapter describes recent research, the latest empirical evidence, and understanding concerning characteristics of and possible risk factors for intimate partner homicide including: (1) previous intimate partner violence, (2) sociodemographic, contextual, and clinical factors, (3) help-seeking prior to IPH, (4) substance use, (5) immigration, (6) IPH-suicide, and (7) differentiating female and male IPH perpetrators.