Associations Between State Intimate Partner Violence-Related Firearm Policies and Injuries Among Women and Men Who Experience Intimate Partner Violence

• Published in: Injury Epidemiology
• Main Authors: Willie, Tiara C, Kershaw, Trace, Perler, Rachel, Caplon, Amy, Katague, Marina, Sullivan, Tami p
• Format: Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Durham Research Square 16.09.2020
• Subjects: Domestic violence; Firearms
• DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-76148/v1

Background: Comprehensive 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. Methods: Individual-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 an IPV firearm policy climate index, as well as individual policies, with non-fatal IPV-related injuries (N=6,565). Results: On average, states had 2 IPV-related firearm policies (range 0 to 6). Overall, IPV-related firearm policy climate was associated with lower odds of experiencing injuries (aOR[95% CI]= .95[.91, .98]). Three specific policies were associated with IPV-related injuries. Individuals who reported IPV and live in states that required firearm surrender of persons convicted of IPV-related misdemeanors (aOR[95% CI]=.78 [.64, .95]), prohibited firearms to persons subject to IPV-related protective orders (aOR[95% CI]=.82[.68, .97]) and convicted of stalking (aOR[95% CI]=.77[.64, .92]) had lower odds of experiencing injuries than individuals living in states without these policies. Conclusions: Restrictive state firearm policies regarding IPV may provide unique opportunities to protect IPV survivors from injuries.