Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Intimate Partner Violence-Related Homicides: Findings from the Arizona Violent Death Reporting System (AZ-VDRS)

Background and Purpose:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical public health issue, with significant racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in IPV-related homicide risk. Arizona, a state with unique demographic and geographic factors, experiences high rates of firearm-related IPV deaths. However, limited research has examined how intersecting factors such as race, pregnancy, and prior IPV reporting shape the likelihood of fatal IPV outcomes. This study analyzes IPV-related homicides in Arizona using the state’s subset of the National Violent Death Reporting System (AZ-VDRS) to identify key risk factors and disparities, informing targeted prevention strategies and culturally responsive interventions.

Methods:

This study employs a two-tiered approach to analyze IPV-related fatalities using AZ-VDRS data from 2015 to 2020. First, logistic regression was conducted on a broad dataset (N = 6,015) to identify predictors of IPV-related deaths. Second, a focused analysis of IPV-related fatalities (n = 220) explored specific risk factors, including firearm use, stalking, and racial/ethnic disparities. Key variables included victim-perpetrator relationship, mental health history, substance use, and situational factors at the time of death.

Results:

Logistic regression identified age, sex, family relationship problems, and depression as significant predictors of IPV-related homicide, with family relationship problems emerging as the strongest predictor (B = 0.7866, p < 0.0001). The focused analysis revealed striking disparities. Firearms were the leading cause of IPV-related fatalities (59.1%), underscoring the role of firearm access in lethal IPV incidents. Nearly 60% of IPV-related deaths occurred during arguments, highlighting the role of acute conflict escalation. Women represented 74.5% of IPV-related fatalities, confirming gendered patterns in IPV lethality. Hispanic individuals were overrepresented (28%) in IPV-related deaths, suggesting systemic barriers to IPV prevention and intervention. Stalking and jealousy were present in 12% of cases, disproportionately affecting Asian and Pacific Islander victims. Pregnant victims accounted for 5% of IPV-related deaths, indicating the need for targeted interventions during pregnancy. Importantly, Asian and Pacific Islander victims were less likely to report prior IPV or associated risk factors, suggesting potential underreporting or cultural barriers to seeking law enforcement or victim services.

Conclusions and Implications:

Findings underscore the urgent need for culturally responsive and trauma-informed IPV interventions, particularly for communities facing systemic barriers to reporting and support. Firearm access policies, enhanced pregnancy-specific IPV screenings, and culturally tailored outreach strategies for marginalized communities are critical for preventing IPV-related homicides. By integrating broad statistical analyses with intersectional insights, this study informs social work research, policy, and practice.