Abstract
BackgroundComprehensive state firearm policies related to intimate partner violence (IPV) may have a significant public health impact on non-lethal IPV-related injuries. Research indicates that more restrictive firearm policies may reduce risk for intimate partner homicide, however it is unclear whether firearm policies prevent or reduce the risk of non-lethal IPV-related injuries. This study sought to examine associations between state-level policies and injuries among U.S. IPV survivors.MethodsIndividual-level data were drawn from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, a nationally-representative study of noninstitutionalized adults. State-level data were drawn from a firearm policy compendium. Multivariable regressions were used to test associations of individual policies with non-fatal IPV-related injuries (N = 5493). Regression models were also conducted to explore differences in the policy-injury associations among women and men survivors.ResultsThree categories of policies were associated with IPV-related injuries. The odds of injuries was lower for IPV survivors living in states that prohibited firearm possession and require firearm relinquishment among persons convicted of IPV-related misdemeanors (aOR [95% CI] = .76 [.59, .97]); prohibited firearm possession and require firearm relinquishment among persons subject to IPV-related restraining orders (aOR [95% CI] = .81 [.66, .98]); and prohibited firearm possession among convicted of stalking (aOR [95% CI] = .82 [.68, .98]) than IPV survivors living in states without these policies. There was a significant difference between women and men survivors in the association between IPV-related misdemeanors policy and injuries (B [SE] = .60 [.29]), such that the association was stronger for men survivors (aOR [95% CI] = .10 [.06, .17]) than women survivors (aOR [95% CI] = .60 [.48, .76]).ConclusionsRestrictive state firearm policies regarding IPV may provide unique opportunities to protect IPV survivors from injuries.
Highlights
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical public health problem that can have significant effects on population health (Devries et al 2013; Garcia-Moreno et al 2006)
Individuals living in states that prohibited firearm possession and required firearm relinquishment among persons convicted of intimate partner violence (IPV)-related misdemeanors, prohibited firearm possession and required firearm relinquishment among persons subject to IPV-related restraining orders, and states that prohibited firearm possession among persons convicted of stalking had lower odds of reporting injuries than individuals living in states without these policies
There was a significant difference between women and men survivors in the association between IPV-related misdemeanors policy and injuries (B [SE] = .60 [.29], p = .04), such that the association was stronger for men survivors than women survivors
Summary
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical public health problem that can have significant effects on population health (Devries et al 2013; Garcia-Moreno et al 2006). It is estimated that 41% of women and 14% of men who experience IPV report some form of physical injury (Centers for Disease Control Prevention 2010). These nonfatal injuries can range from minor abrasions such as scratches and welts to more serious injuries such as broken bones and head injuries (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 2003; Sheridan and Nash, 2007). Comprehensive state firearm policies related to intimate partner violence (IPV) may have a significant public health impact on non-lethal IPV-related injuries. This study sought to examine associations between state-level policies and injuries among U.S IPV survivors
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