C W H R S
the Chicago Women’s Health Risk Study

Overview and Key Findings
from the

Chicago Women’s Health Risk Study

Goals of the CWHRS

to reach these goals, the CWHRS designed a
Lethal vs. Nonlethal study

These challenges could never have been met without the close, long-term collaboration
of many agencies and individuals.

Collaborating Agencies

Collaborating Individuals

Clinic/Hospital Sample: Initial Interview

Clinic/Hospital Sample:
Follow-up Interviews

Homicide Sample:
Cases

Homicide Sample: Data

What do CWHRS results tell us about reducing the risk of serious injury or death in intimate partner violence?

Past Violence
as a Risk Factor for Homicide

What were the riskiest
kinds of Past Violence?

Type of Past-year Violence

Recency
When was the most recent violent incident against her?
(days before the interview or the homicide)

Frequency
Was violence increasing in frequency?

Risk factors for a
            Fatal Incident

However,
the First Incident can be Fatal

Risk factors for a
    First Fatal Incident

Q: “Why didn’t she leave?”
A: Women do try to leave

Leaving as a Risk Factor

Leaving can be Fatal

Risk factors for an abused woman Killing her Partner

Women Offenders had
More Severe Past Violence

Women Offenders have Fewer Resources

Women Offenders had a
More Traditional Relationship

Seeking Help

Seeking Formal Help

Seeking Medical Help

Seeking help from the Police

Few Women Sought Help from an
Agency or Counselor

Implications for Research

Implications for PRACTICE

Assessing Risk of Death

When a woman is
physically abused
by an intimate partner,

When a woman is not physically abused,

For all women . . . . . . . .

For more information, see