Intimate partner violence perpetration and firearm ownership and storage practices among U.S. military veterans

Abstract

Background

Population-based data on the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and firearm ownership and storage practices in U.S. military veterans are scarce. Contemporary data may help inform violence prevention efforts.

Methods

Data were analyzed from the 2022 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2326 veterans. Analyses were conducted to examine (1) the prevalence of IPV use (i.e., perpetration): among firearm owners; and (2) firearm storage practices by IPV use history.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of any IPV use among male and female firearm owners was 11.7% and 25.3%, respectively. Among male and female firearm owners, 8.6% and 21.9% reported a history of physical IPV use, respectively. Multivariable analyses revealed that male veterans with a history of physical IPV use had greater odds of owning a personal firearm (odds ratio [OR]=1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.01–2.04) and storing firearms loaded and in an unsecure location (OR=2.19, 95 %CI=1.16–4.12) relative to males without such histories.

Conclusions

Male veterans with a history of physical IPV use are at elevated odds of owning a personal firearm and using unsafe firearm storage practices. Findings underscore the importance of nationwide IPV screening efforts among veterans and implementation of public health initiatives that promote safe firearm storage.