Suicides make up vast majority of deaths stemming from intimate partner problems, new study finds

Women in Illinois are most often the victims of domestic violence homicides. However, a new analysis found that suicides make up the vast majority of deaths stemming from intimate partner problems — and the victims are overwhelmingly men.

The results of the analysis from Northwestern University shows intimate partner violence and dysfunctional relationships are driving an alarming portion of violent deaths in Illinois, researchers and advocates told the Sun-Times.

Suicides accounted for 74% of the 614 Illinois deaths related to issues within an intimate relationship in 2021 and 2022. Homicides made up 22% of those deaths during those two years, according to the data brief from Maryann Mason, associate professor of emergency medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Men accounted for 81% of the suicides in Mason's analysis, while women made up the majority of the homicide victims. Firearms were the most common weapon used in both suicides and homicides.

"This data tells a fuller story of how these dysfunctional relationships end up in violence," Mason said.

Intimate partner violence is emotional, physical and sexual abuse perpetrated against a romantic partner with the intent to harm, control or intimidate. This analysis, using data from the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System, looks at intimate partner problems — a broader term than domestic violence that includes other issues that can make a relationship dysfunctional, like communication issues, financial troubles or emotional disconnect, Mason said.

"When I started looking at these deaths, it seemed there was a bigger story behind these interpersonal relationships," Mason said. "So I stepped back with a wider lens and found that this violence can take a different toll."

The toll includes the survivors — especially children, Mason said.

"Those are children who have most likely witnessed violence or unhealthy behaviors in the past, and there's major trauma that goes along with that," she said. "The survivors in the family also need help to make sure the cycle of violence is broken."

Mason's analysis looked at the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which included violence, jealousy, arguments, financial problems and family stresses.

"Those findings point to ways we can intervene and provide health relationship coaching," Mason said. "How are we helping people gain the skills they need to be in healthy relationships?"

Depression and problem drinking were common factors. A depression diagnosis was identified in 67% of the suicides, and alcohol abuse was found in 17%.

Helping people build healthy relationships and access mental health services can prevent these deaths, Mason said.

"If you think about men and interpersonal intimate relationships, there's not a lot of support for men who are struggling, and many of them feel alone when a relationship is falling apart," Mason said.

Alexa James, chief executive of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago, says Mason's analysis demonstrates the fractures in today's society.

"The quality of your life is directly dictated by the quality of your relationships," James said. "The more disadvantaged you are, the more disconnected you are from society. So when people have blowups with their relationships, it can lead to significant mental health deterioration."

‘Not an empty threat’

This analysis also highlights a common threat made in abusive relationships, said Maralea Negron, director of policy, advocacy and research for The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence.

"When a survivor is trying to leave a relationship, one of the tactics abusers will use is threats of suicide to stop them from leaving," Negron said. "This research shows that is not an empty threat."

Negron said Mason's research demonstrates the need for interventions that help rehabilitate abusive people.

"Domestic violence is the root cause of so many things and trickles down to affect our communities," Negron said. "And there is not a lot of research as robust and thorough as this one that can shed light on how pervasive it is and the lasting consequences of domestic violence."

Christine Call is the executive director at the Center for Advancing Domestic Peace, which provides partner abuse intervention services in Chicago.

When the center screens someone joining one of its programs, one question they ask is if they've ever thought about harming themselves or others.

"Past research has shown when men say they are going to commit suicide, they're much more likely to follow through," Call said. "So when we hear a man say that, we do a really careful and thorough assessment to make sure they're getting the right help."

Men often struggle to identify and understand their emotions, and they're not good at asking for help, Call said. But the services that could help them are often out of reach.

"I believe people are resilient," Call said, "but sometimes they just need help."