Fatal and Non-Fatal Intimate Partner Violence

Comparing male and female victims across lethal and non-lethal intimate partner violence (IPV) can provide a better understanding of these incidents and assist policy makers in developing more tailored victim services and prevention programs. To date, little research has examined this issue. This study compares the characteristics that predict female and male IPV victimization. Given the role that law enforcement can play in promoting victim assistance programs, police data are used to explore this issue. This study finds that victim sex differences do exist within and across lethal and non-lethal IPV. These findings are discussed as well as their implications for future policy and research.