Does neighborhood environment differentiate intimate partner femicides from other femicides?

Violence Against Women. 2015 Jan;21(1):49-64. doi: 10.1177/1077801214564075. Epub 2014 Dec 24.

Abstract

We examined the association between neighborhood-level factors and intimate partner femicide (IPF) using Wisconsin Violent Death Reporting System (WVDRS) data and Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) reports, in concert with neighborhood-level information. After controlling for individual characteristics, neighborhood-level disadvantage was associated with a decreased likelihood of IPF status, as compared with other femicides, whereas neighborhood-level residential instability was associated with an increased likelihood of IPF status. Neighborhood plays a role in differentiating IPFs from other femicides in our study area. Our findings demonstrate the importance of multilevel strategies for understanding and reducing the burden of intimate partner violence.

Keywords: intimate partner femicide; neighborhoods; residence characteristics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Geographic Mapping
  • Homicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Intimate Partner Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Residence Characteristics / classification*
  • Residence Characteristics / statistics & numerical data
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Wisconsin