Nurse scientist: Research shows most intimate partner violence is preventable

Most intimate partner violence is preventable, with research showing the separation and divorce period is when intimate partner homicide risk is greatest, says Kathryn Spearman, PhD, RN, assistant professor of nursing at Penn State University, State College. Firearm access, separation, prior nonfatal strangulation and stalking are dangerous warning signs a woman is at risk of an intimate partner murdering her. Other signs include partner unemployment, substance use, problematic drinking, controlling or jealous behavior, abuse during pregnancy, rape and prior threats with weapons. Removing firearm access from people identified as high risk for using violence against a partner is one of the few effective interventions for reducing intimate partner homicide. A toolkit for healthcare providers is available at MyPlan, an app which offers danger assessment and safety-planning suggestions for partners at risk. (The Conversation article, 4/20/26)