Objectives. This research sought to assess the relationships between intimate homicide and policies that may impact factors associated with intimate partner violence and homicide. The three policies areas investigated included beer excise taxes; statutes aimed at restricting access to firearms for known perpetrators of intimate partner violence; and police staffing levels.

Methods. The study used a multiple time-series design to examine intimate homicide counts in 49 of the largest U.S. cities from 1979 to 2003. Four intimate homicide groups, based on gender and firearm use, were tested. Statistical analyses were conducted using generalized estimating equations, in which the three policy areas were added to the models in a stepwise fashion. Endogeneity was tested and controlled for in the analysis with a lagged variable approach. Estimates were tested for city-dependency by systematically removing one city at a time from the models. The robustness of the estimates was explored by comparing the estimates within the three stepwise regressions.

Results. Police staffing levels were negatively associated with the victim groups of all intimate homicide victims (IRR=0.73, p<0.05) and all intimate homicide victims killed with a firearm (IRR=0.63, p<0.01), but no association was seen with either intimate femicide victims or intimate femicide victims killed with a firearm. No robust correlations were found between the state statutes restricting access to firearms for those under restraining orders or domestic violence misdemeanants and intimate homicide. However, significant associations were seen between the state restraining order statute and both intimate homicides committed with a firearm (0.85, p<0.01) and intimate femicides committed with a firearm (0.86, p<0.01), but only for one of the three stepwise regressions. Robust and positive correlations were found between firearm confiscation statutes and intimate femicide and intimate femicide committed with a firearm. No statistically significant associations were found between the beer taxes and intimate homicide.

Conclusions. Increasing police staffing levels may decrease intimate homicide levels. Statutes allowing firearm confiscation may increase the risk of intimate femicide, however this result is likely spurious. State restraining order firearm restrictions may decrease the risk of intimate homicide, but results are mixed. There was no evidence that beer taxes affect intimate homicide levels.