When intimate partner problems result in death

Death related to intimate partner problems has long been viewed primarily as a homicide issue affecting women. But a new data brief from the Northwestern University-led Illinois Violent Death Reporting System that uses a wider lens to examine circumstances contributing to these kinds of death challenges this notion.

Suicides accounted for 74% of Illinois deaths related to intimate partner problems across 2021 and 2022 — a stark contrast to homicides, which accounted for 22.1% of deaths. The majority of suicides (81%) were men, according to the data brief.

“Intimate partner problems contribute to both homicide and suicide deaths,” said Maryann Mason, associate professor of emergency medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Often in these relationships, men will threaten suicide as a way to exert control over the woman if she threatens to leave.”

Better understanding, better prevention

This is the first time an institution has released findings on Illinois deaths related to intimate partner problems. While intimate partner violence describes emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and stalking with the intent to harm, control or intimidate a partner, intimate partner-related problems is a broader term that can also include communication issues, financial disagreements or emotional disconnect without necessarily involving physical violence.

Intimate partner-related problems is a major public health issue that can lead to ongoing mental and physical health problems, financial problems and other serious outcomes, including death, Mason said.

The goal of the reporting system is to better understand the circumstances surrounding these deaths to inform prevention efforts, Mason said. These findings indicate a need to better integrate suicide-prevention resources into legal and social services, such as court proceedings, arrests, and substance use disorder and mental health counseling programs in which those experiencing intimate partner problems seek assistance.

Mental, physical and behavioral health challenges play a larger role in suicide cases than in homicides linked to intimate partner problems, the data found.

“Our data provides a more holistic view of how men are dying in relation to intimate partner problems so we can begin to address it,” Mason said. “We must recognize relationship struggles as a contributing factor in violent deaths.”

Digging into the data

The data brief includes findings on 614 deceased individuals linked to 584 incidents of intimate partner problem-related violent deaths that occurred in Illinois between 2021 and 2022.

Firearms were the most common weapon used in both intimate partner problem-related suicides (44.6%) and homicides (57.4%).

Most of the deaths occurred at home (343 (75.4%) suicides and 98 (72.1%) homicides), according to the data brief. Of suicide victims, 155 (34.3%) had a documented mental health issue, and 78 (17.4%) had an alcohol problem.

“This makes community support and intervention programs crucial,” Mason said. “Families affected by these tragedies — especially children — need trauma-informed support to help them cope.”