San Diego, CA, December 4, 2025
A recent study from UC San Diego reveals a concerning link between gun ownership and intimate partner violence (IPV). The findings indicate that individuals with IPV experiences, either as victims or aggressors, are much more likely to own firearms. This trend was evident in California and Louisiana and prompts a call for revising violence prevention strategies to consider the connection between IPV and firearm access.
San Diego, CA
Study Links Gun Ownership to Increased Intimate Partner Violence
A recent study conducted by the University of California, San Diego, reveals a significant connection between intimate partner violence (IPV) and firearm ownership. The research indicates that those who have encountered IPV—whether as victims or aggressors—are substantially more likely to own firearms and have purchased one in the past year. This trend was evident in both California and Louisiana, despite the differing firearm regulations in the two states. The findings call for a reevaluation of violence prevention strategies, emphasizing the intersection of IPV and firearm policy.
Study Details
The study utilized data from two extensive online surveys performed in 2023, involving 3,560 adults from California and 1,081 adults from Louisiana. Participants responded to questions regarding their experiences with IPV in the preceding year, alongside their firearm ownership and purchasing habits. The key findings include:
- Individuals reporting past-year IPV victimization had approximately three times higher odds of owning firearms compared to those without such experiences.
- Perpetrators of IPV exhibited nearly ten times higher odds of firearm ownership.
- Victims of IPV demonstrated about three times higher odds of having purchased a firearm in the last year.
- IPV perpetrators showed about five times higher odds of making a firearm purchase within the same timeframe.
These associations were consistent across both states, suggesting a pervasive trend that transcends specific legislative frameworks.
Implications for Policy and Prevention
The study’s authors stress the importance of understanding how experiences with IPV may lead to increased firearm acquisition. They recommend that policymakers and practitioners reassess conceptual frameworks related to gun ownership within violent relationships. Policies should be designed to reflect the complex realities of IPV and firearm access, advocating for comprehensive prevention strategies that address both violence and the underlying factors influencing firearm ownership.
Background Context
Intimate partner violence presents a critical public health challenge, with noteworthy social and economic repercussions. Prior research suggests that firearms in homes with IPV histories can significantly escalate the risk of deadly incidents. For instance, Californians residing alongside handgun owners face more than double the likelihood of homicide compared to those in gun-free environments. Furthermore, women living in these households are seven times more likely to be fatally shot by a spouse or intimate partner. These insights underscore the urgency for policies targeting the intersection of IPV and firearm accessibility to improve safety and mitigate violence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did the UC San Diego study find regarding gun ownership and intimate partner violence?
The study found that individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence, either as victims or perpetrators, are more likely to own firearms and to have purchased one in the past year. This correlation was observed in both California and Louisiana, despite differing firearm policies in these states.
What are the implications of these findings for policy and prevention?
The researchers emphasize the need for integrated approaches to violence prevention, mental health, and firearm policy to address the complex dynamics between intimate partner violence and gun ownership. They suggest that policymakers should reconsider protective gun-ownership narratives in relationships affected by violence and design policies that account for these complexities.
What is the background context of this study?
Intimate partner violence is a significant public health issue with substantial economic and social impacts. Previous research has shown that the presence of firearms in homes with a history of IPV increases the risk of lethal outcomes. For example, a study found that Californians living with handgun owners were more than twice as likely to die by homicide compared to those in gun-free homes. These findings highlight the critical need for policies that address the intersection of IPV and firearm access to enhance safety and prevent violence.
Key Features of the Study
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Title | Intimate Partner Violence and Firearm Purchasing: Cross-sectional analysis of statewide survey data from California and Louisiana Adults |
| Conducted By | University of California, San Diego |
| Publication Date | December 3, 2025 |
| Survey Locations | California and Louisiana |
| Sample Size | 3,560 adults in California; 1,081 adults in Louisiana |
| Key Findings | Individuals with past-year IPV victimization or perpetration have significantly higher odds of firearm ownership and recent firearm purchase. |
| Implications | Need for integrated violence prevention, mental health, and firearm policies to address the complex dynamics between IPV and gun ownership. |
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