Death related to intimate partner problems has often been seen primarily as a homicide issue affecting women. However, a new data brief from the Northwestern University-led Illinois Violent Death Reporting System challenges this notion by examining circumstances contributing to these deaths through a broader lens.
The data shows that suicides accounted for 74% of Illinois deaths related to intimate partner problems across 2021 and 2022, while homicides accounted for 22.1%. The majority of suicides (81%) were men.
“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.”
This is the first time an institution has released findings on Illinois deaths related to intimate partner problems. While intimate partner violence includes emotional, physical and sexual abuse, and stalking with intent to harm or intimidate a partner, intimate partner-related problems is a broader term that can include communication issues or financial disagreements without necessarily involving physical violence.
The goal of the reporting system is to better understand the circumstances surrounding these deaths to inform prevention efforts. These findings indicate a need for better integration of suicide-prevention resources into legal and social services where those experiencing intimate partner problems seek assistance.
Firearms were identified as the most common weapon used in both intimate partner problem-related suicides (44.6%) and homicides (57.4%). Mental, physical and behavioral health challenges play a larger role in suicide cases than in homicides linked to intimate partner problems.
“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.”
The data brief includes findings on 614 deceased individuals linked to 584 incidents of Intimate Partner Problem-related violent deaths (IPPV) that occurred in Illinois between 2021 and 2022. Most IPPV deaths occurred at home; specifically, 343 (75.4%) suicides and 98 (72.1%) homicides took place there.
Of the deceased individuals, 155 (34.3%) of suicide victims had documented mental health issues, while 78 (17.4%) had alcohol problems.
“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.”
The data brief also provides information on marital status and legal, social and incident-specific factors associated with IPPV-related suicides and homicides.
Funding for the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (grant number 6 NU17CE002590-04-01), the Illinois Department of Public Health, and an anonymous donor.