Death related to intimate partner problems has traditionally been viewed as a homicide issue affecting women. However, new findings from the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System, led by Northwestern University, present a broader perspective on this issue.
The data brief reveals that suicides accounted for 74% of deaths related to intimate partner problems in Illinois during 2021 and 2022. In contrast, homicides made up 22.1% of these deaths. The majority of suicide victims (81%) were men.
“Intimate partner problems contribute to both homicide and suicide deaths,” stated Maryann Mason, associate professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She noted that men often threaten suicide to exert control if their partner threatens to leave.
This is the first time such findings have been released regarding Illinois deaths linked to intimate partner problems. While intimate partner violence involves abuse and stalking with harmful intent, intimate partner-related problems encompass issues like communication or financial disagreements without physical violence.
Mason emphasized the goal is to understand these circumstances better for prevention efforts. Findings suggest integrating suicide-prevention resources into legal and social services is necessary where individuals facing intimate partner problems seek help.
Firearms were frequently used in both suicides (44.6%) and homicides (57.4%) associated with intimate partner problems. Mental health challenges play a significant role in suicides compared to homicides linked to these issues.
“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, highlighting relationship struggles as contributing factors in violent deaths.
The report includes data on 614 deceased individuals tied to 584 incidents of Intimate Partner Problem-related violent deaths (IPPV) in Illinois between 2021 and 2022. Most IPPV deaths occurred at home, with many victims having documented mental health or alcohol issues.
“This makes community support and intervention programs crucial,” Mason added, stressing the need for trauma-informed support for affected families, especially children.
Funding for this research comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and an anonymous donor.