Contemporary Homicide Risks among Women of Reproductive Age

Context

Homicide is a leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. However, little is known about how risk for homicide differs among women from different racial and ethnic groups.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk of homicide mortality among Hispanic, Black and White females of reproductive age in the United States, and to describe differences between these groups.

Methods

A secondary data analysis of deaths certificates collected in the United States from 1999 to 2002 was conducted using descriptive statistics, χ² analysis, and logistic regressions.

Findings

When controlled for education level, marital status, and year, the adjusted odds ratio for homicide mortality among Hispanics (2.6) and Blacks (2.1) were significantly greater than for Whites (1.0). Victim and homicide characteristics also differed across these groups.

Conclusions

Minority women are disproportionately at risk for homicide mortality. Homicide prevention programs and policies need to be developed to target the specific risks and unique characteristics of high risk groups in the United States.