New Study Shows a Strong Connection Between Intimate Partner Violence and Firearm Ownership in the U.S.

A newly published public health study has uncovered a striking and concerning relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and firearm ownership and purchasing in the United States. Conducted by researchers from the University of California San Diego, the study focuses on adults in California and Louisiana and finds that people who experienced IPV in the past year—either as victims or perpetrators—are significantly more likely to own guns and to have purchased firearms recently.

The research was published in BMC Public Health and is based on a detailed analysis of statewide survey data collected in 2023. While the study does not claim that one factor directly causes the other, the strength of the association has raised important questions for policymakers, public health experts, and anyone concerned with violence prevention.

What the Study Examined

The researchers analyzed data from the 2023 Violence Experiences (VEX) surveys, which are large, state-representative online surveys designed to measure experiences of violence among adults. The sample included:

3,560 adults in California, surveyed between March and May 2023
1,081 adults in Louisiana, surveyed between May and June 2023

Participants were asked about past-year intimate partner violence, including both victimization and perpetration, as well as their firearm ownership status and whether they had purchased a firearm in the previous year.

To ensure accuracy, the researchers adjusted their analysis for a wide range of factors, including demographics, mental health symptoms, and other relevant covariates that could influence both violence exposure and firearm behavior.

Key Findings on Firearm Ownership

One of the most notable findings of the study is the strong link between IPV and current firearm ownership.

Adults who reported being victims of intimate partner violence in the past year had about three times higher odds of owning a firearm compared to those who did not report IPV.
Adults who reported perpetrating intimate partner violence had nearly ten times higher odds of owning a firearm.

These differences remained significant even after adjusting for other variables, suggesting that the relationship between IPV and firearm ownership is not simply explained by age, gender, income, or mental health factors alone.

Findings on Recent Firearm Purchases

The study also looked specifically at recent firearm purchases, which adds another layer of insight.

IPV victims had around three times higher odds of purchasing a firearm in the past year.
IPV perpetrators had about five times higher odds of making a firearm purchase during the same time period.

This distinction is important because recent purchases may indicate a response to current circumstances, such as escalating conflict or perceived threats, rather than long-standing gun ownership.

Why California and Louisiana Matter

One of the most interesting aspects of the research is the choice of states. California and Louisiana have very different firearm policy environments. California is known for relatively strict gun regulations, while Louisiana has some of the most permissive gun laws in the country.

Despite these differences, the associations between intimate partner violence and firearm ownership or purchasing were consistent across both states. This suggests that the observed pattern is not limited to a particular legal or political context but may reflect a broader national phenomenon.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

The researchers are careful to point out that the study is cross-sectional, meaning it captures a snapshot in time. Because of this, it cannot determine whether experiencing intimate partner violence leads people to acquire firearms, or whether firearm access contributes to violent relationships. However, the strong correlations indicate that these factors are closely intertwined.

One interpretation discussed in the research is that some IPV victims may seek firearms for protection, believing that owning a gun will increase their personal safety. At the same time, a large body of existing research shows that the presence of a firearm in a household affected by intimate partner violence significantly increases the risk of serious injury or death, particularly for women.

For perpetrators, firearm acquisition may reflect escalating aggression, control, or intimidation, which further heightens the danger in already volatile situations.

The Public Health and Policy Implications

The findings highlight a critical gap in how violence prevention and firearm policy are often addressed separately. According to the researchers, the results point to a need for more integrated prevention strategies that consider:

Intimate partner violence prevention
Mental health support
Firearm access and purchasing behaviors

Current public discourse around firearms often frames gun ownership as protective, especially in the context of personal safety. However, this study suggests that such narratives may overlook the complex and dangerous dynamics of abusive relationships.

The researchers argue that policymakers should rethink how protective gun ownership is discussed in relationships affected by violence and design interventions that account for both victim safety and risk escalation.

What Is Intimate Partner Violence?

To better understand the study’s importance, it helps to clarify what intimate partner violence includes. IPV is not limited to physical abuse. It can involve:

Physical violence
Sexual violence
Psychological or emotional abuse
Threats and coercive control

According to public health agencies, IPV is a widespread issue in the United States, affecting millions of people each year. It is also one of the strongest risk factors for domestic homicide, particularly when firearms are involved.

Firearms and Lethal Risk in IPV Situations

Decades of research consistently show that the presence of a firearm in an abusive relationship dramatically increases the likelihood of lethal outcomes. Even when a gun is intended for protection, it can be used impulsively during moments of crisis, or turned against the victim.

This study adds to that body of evidence by showing that firearm acquisition itself may be more common in the context of recent relationship violence, not just long-term patterns of gun ownership.

Why This Study Matters

What makes this research especially valuable is its focus on both victims and perpetrators, as well as its use of statewide, representative data. It moves the conversation beyond assumptions and provides concrete evidence that IPV and firearm behaviors are closely linked.

By identifying these patterns, the study opens the door for more informed discussions about risk assessment, early intervention, and policy design that could potentially save lives.

Research Reference

Intimate partner violence and firearm purchasing: cross-sectional analysis of statewide survey data from California and Louisiana adults, BMC Public Health (2025).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-25361-w