Citation

Logan TK, Lynch K. J. Threat Assess. Manag. 2021; 8(1-2): 20-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/tam0000158

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Although many partner abuse victims experience firearm-related threats there has been limited research on the scope and nature of those threats. For the present study, women with partner abuse experiences who were threatened with firearms by that partner completed an online survey via Prolific to explore experiences of abuse and perceptions of abuser gun-related attitudes and behaviors. Differences were examined for women with abusive (ex)partners who did (n = 125), and who did not (n = 152), threaten to shoot people other than the victim. Almost half (45%) of the participants reported their (ex)partner had threatened to shoot others. Victims with (ex)partners who threatened to shoot others had higher fear levels and experienced more control, severe physical/sexual violence, victim directed firearm-related threats, and stalking than those with partners who did not threaten to shoot others. Additionally, more victims with abusers who threatened to shoot others reported their (ex)partner had a history of problem behavior, carried their guns out in public, and engaged in more risky gun-handling practices. Also, victims with (ex)partners who threatened to shoot others reported their abuser was more likely to socialize (online and offline) with others who were violent, had more angry and racist views, and were more likely to report their abuser had behaviors that suggested guns were part of their identity compared to those with (ex)partners who did not threaten to shoot others. Safety planning with partner violence victims should incorporate standardized screening for firearm-related threats directed toward both the victim and others. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Language: en