Workplace Homicides Among U.S. Women: The Role of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

PURPOSE-Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an important public health issue with serious consequences for the workplace. Workplace homicides occurring to U.S. women over a 6-year period, including those perpetrated by an intimate partner, are described.METHODS-Workplace homicides among U.S. women from 2003 to 2008 were categorized into type I (criminal intent), type II (customer/client), type III (co-worker), or type IV (personal relations) events using the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Fatality rates were calculated and compared among workplace violence (WPV) types, occupations, and characteristics including location of homicide, type of workplace, time of day, and weapon used. RESULTS-Between 2003 and 2008, 648 women were feloniously killed on the job. The leading cause of workplace homicide for U.S. women was criminal intent, such as robbing a store (n = 212; 39%), followed by homicides perpetrated by a personal relation (n= 181; 33%). The majority of these personal relations were intimate partners (n = 142; 78%). Over half of workplace homicides perpetrated by intimate partners occurred in parking lots and public buildings (n = 91; 51%).CONCLUSIONS-A large percentage of homicides occurring to women at work are perpetrated by intimate partners. WPV prevention programs should incorporate strategies to prevent and respond to IPV.

Non‐robbery‐related occupational homicides in the retail industry, 2003–2008

“…In our study, over half of non‐robbery‐related homicides among women were perpetrated by an intimate partner (Type IV). This is consistent with other studies that also report an elevated risk for violence perpetrated by intimate partners [Moracco et al, ; Hewitt et al, ; Tiesman et al, ]. Though the same de‐escalation and conflict resolution techniques may be effective at mitigating some of the WPV perpetrated by intimate partners, additional measures are likely necessary to reduce Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the workplace.…”

Sex Work and Occupational Homicide: Analysis of a U.K. Murder Database

“…It has been established though in nonsex work studies that murders can still take place in the workplace but be committed by family members: 33% of workplace homicides against women in the United States (between 2003 and 2008) were committed by a personal relation, the majority (78%) being intimate partners (Tiesman, Gurka, Konda, Coben, & Amandus, 2012). While these are classed as examples of both workplace homicide and intimate partner violence, we argue that our classification of sex worker homicides committed by family members as nonwork related is valid as it enables a focus on the occupational factors that make sex workers so vulnerable to homicide at the hands of strangers and clients, who represent the majority of perpetrators (Brewer et al, 2006;Neville, 2012;Salfati, 2008).…”

The role of trade unions in supporting victims of domestic violence in the workplace

“…In the limited evidence on domestic violence and employment relations, it is recognised that the workplace may be a high‐risk site because perpetrators are typically aware of the victim's location and routine at work (Moe and Bell, ; Tiesman et al ., ). This was unfortunately replicated in this study, with victims experiencing domestic violence during working hours and at the worksite.…”

“…This can make an employee vulnerable, even after leaving the abusive relationship. Tiesman et al (2012) state that the risks are higher when the worker is in a staff car park; entering or exiting work; in an open access or poorly secured workplaces such as hospitals and hairdressers. Co-workers and clients are also at risk from the perpetrator's violence either towards them or because of effects on the victims (Gregory et al, 2016;TUC, 2014).…”