Intimate Versus Nonintimate Partner Murder

Abstract

To explore whether homicide of intimate partners is distinct from homicide of nonintimates, we compared sociodemographic, legal, family, clinical, and situational characteristics of men who murdered an intimate partner (n = 71) to those of men who murdered a nonintimate (n = 363). Bivariate findings suggest that intimate murder offenders are more socially bonded and conforming regarding employment and relationship patterns and use fatal violence to meet emotional rather than instrumental needs compared to nonintimate offenders. Multivariate findings indicate marital status, history of severe mental illness, and motive are important factors that differentiate men who murder intimates from those who murder nonintimates. Homicide prevention efforts must be tailored to account for factors that differentiate these two offender types.

Are Generalist Batterers Different from Generally Extra-Family Violent Men? A Study among Imprisoned Male Violent Offenders

“…Thomas, Dichter, and Matejkowski (2011) observed differences between intimate partner murder offenders and non-intimate partner murder offenders. Specifically, intimate partner murder offenders were more socially integrated and used fatal violence to satisfy emotional aspects in contrast to non-intimate partner murderers whose violence seemed to be rather instrumental.…”

“…Specifically, intimate partner murder offenders were more socially integrated and used fatal violence to satisfy emotional aspects in contrast to non-intimate partner murderers whose violence seemed to be rather instrumental. Furthermore, they seemed to differ in marital status, history of severe mental illness, and motives (Thomas et al, 2011). Likewise, Swogger, Walsh, and Kosson (2007) compared antisocial batterers with other antisocial criminals that did not perpetrate IPV against women and found a different profile in affective experience, impulsivity, and irresponsibility.…”

Risk Factors of Female Intimate Partner and Non-Intimate Partner Homicides

“…(Dobash, Dobash, Cavanagh, & Lewis, 2004, p. 599). A comparison of intimate partner murders (IPM) with other murders showed that the perpetrators of IPM are more socially bonded (married and employed), more likely to have mental health problems, and more likely to use violence to meet emotional rather than instrumental needs (Thomas, Dichter, & Matejkowski, 2011). Recently, Juodis, Starzomski, Porter, and Woodworth (2014a) compared the correctional files of 37 males convicted of domestic homicide (DH) (including homicides of children, women's new partners, family members, friends, and third-party interveners) with those of 78 non-domestic homicide (NDH) perpetrators (involving the killing of 34 women, nine children, and 29 men).…”

“…Some research indicates that this crime is more common among antisocial or pathological PVM (basically, those with borderline features) (Dixon, Hamilton-Giachritsis, & Browne, 2008) and that socially disadvantaged groups are overrepresented among male IPH offenders; for instance, "permanently unemployed male alcoholics with a long history of violence" (Kivivuori & Lehti, 2012, p. 73). Others, however, describe socially bonded and non-pathological offenders among these IPH (Dobash & Dobash, 2011;Dobash et al, 2009;Dobash et al, 2004;Dobash, Dobash, Cavanagh, & MedinaAriza, 2007;Dutton & Kerry, 1999;Thomas et al, 2011). Some authors who have examined differences between IPH and non-IPH offenders argue that little has been done about male perpetrators (Juodis et al, 2014a), while others note that most research has focused on victims and incidents (Thomas et al, 2011).…”

“…Others, however, describe socially bonded and non-pathological offenders among these IPH (Dobash & Dobash, 2011;Dobash et al, 2009;Dobash et al, 2004;Dobash, Dobash, Cavanagh, & MedinaAriza, 2007;Dutton & Kerry, 1999;Thomas et al, 2011). Some authors who have examined differences between IPH and non-IPH offenders argue that little has been done about male perpetrators (Juodis et al, 2014a), while others note that most research has focused on victims and incidents (Thomas et al, 2011). In addition, previous comparisons among homicide offenders have not focused on a group of female IPH versus female non-intimate-partner homicides (non-IPH).…”