Background: In 1998, over 1,500 females were killed by an intimate partner in the United States. A significant number of these deaths were followed by the suicide of the perpetrator, however, actual numbers are unknown. In Virginia, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner suspected a recent increase in intimate partner homicide-suicide events, despite a statewide decrease in the rate of female homicides. Methods: We identified all female homicides and abstracted all female intimate partner homicide-suicide (FIPHS) events in Virginia, 1990-1999, through medical examiner chart review. FIPHS was defined as an event in which an individual killed a female intimate partner (³ 12 years) and committed suicide within one week. For comparison, we calculated rates of all homicides for females ³ 12 years in Virginia using vital statistics. Results: Preliminary data showed that from 1990-1999, 189 FIPHS events occurred in Virginia. Victims were primarily white (60.4%), older than 25 years (75%), and most often killed by firearms (98%). The rate of FIPHS was significantly higher (50%,p=.03) during 1998-99 relative to the average rate for the previous eight years; overall female homicide rates decreased 36% during this period. Compared to all female homicides, firearms were used more often in FIPHS events (OR=9.5, 95%CI=5.2-17.6). Conclusions: Results of this study highlight increasing FIPHS rates in Virginia and links between fatal intimate partner violence, suicide, and firearms. Replication of this process in other states will determine if a similar pattern exists. Furthermore, practical methods should be developed to conduct surveillance for such events.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the public health importance of female intimate partner homicide-suicide events. 2. Describe trends in and potential risk factors for female initmate partner homicide-suicide events in Virginia from 1990-1999. 3. Discern the importance of developing practical methods for conducting surveillance of female intimate partner homicide-suicide events at state and national levels.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Homicide
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.