The Big Picture
The overall homicide rate in the United States has been declining. However, the rate of domestic killings has not decreased and remains a persistent issue. This trend indicates a specific challenge within intimate partner violence that is not being addressed by the general decline in homicides.
Key Facts
- 1
The overall homicide rate in the United States is falling.
- 2
Domestic killings are not declining.
- 3
Domestic killings remain a persistent issue.
- 4
The decline in overall homicides does not extend to domestic killings.
How Media Is Covering This
1 articleThe homicide rate is falling. Domestic killings are not.
Read moreWhy It Matters
Despite this broader decrease, killings within domestic relationships have not followed the same downward trajectory. These incidents, often referred to as domestic homicides or intimate partner homicides, continue to occur at a rate that has not diminished.
The persistence of domestic killings highlights a specific area of concern within the landscape of violent crime. While overall homicide numbers are falling, the issue of violence within homes and intimate partnerships remains a significant and ongoing problem that requires separate attention and analysis.

