Annual report analyzes fatal cases of intimate partner violence in New Mexico

In the New Mexico Intimate Partner Violence Death Review Team's 2025 Annual Report, the study looked at 26 cases of intimate partner violence in 2021 that resulted in death. It examines each incident and demographics, such as the relationship between the inmate partner pair and contact with services.

Approximately one-third of adults in New Mexico have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. That's stated in a recent report by the Intimate Partner Violence Death Review Team (IPVDRT) coordinated by the New Mexico Statistical Analysis Center (NMSAC) at The University of New Mexico.

The Team is an independent body of volunteers from various disciplines (including criminal and civil justice agencies, victim advocates, tribal and medical representatives, state agencies, and others), authorized by NMSA §31-22-4.1 and funded by the New Mexico Crime Victims Reparations Commission. The IPVDRT reviews intimate partner violence and sexual assault related fatalities to prevent future injury and death by offering recommendations to improve policy and practice. In the New Mexico Intimate Partner Violence Death Review Team's 2025 Annual Report, the study looked at 26 cases of IPV in 2021 that resulted in death. It examines each incident and its demographics, including the relationship between the inmate partner pair (IPP) and their contact with services.+

Here are a few of the key findings:

• The team reviewed 26 incidents of IPV that resulted in 28 deaths involving 24 offenders.
• Incidents occurred in 16 New Mexico counties, seven of them rural.
• Twenty-three decedents in 21 incidents died from firearm-related injuries, including twelve IPV perpetrators who were prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm, four of whom used a firearm in the incident.
• While most incidents occurred in private residences, nine (35%) occurred in public locations, including driveways, parking lots, streets, and campgrounds. Eight incidents (29%) occurred when children were present.
• Nine of the IPP couples (35%) were currently married or in a long-term domestic partnership, 14 couples (54%) were currently dating, and 3 (11%) had previously dated.
• Twenty (77%) of the IPPs had a prior history of violence within their relationship, with twelve (46%) of the IPPs having one or more prior domestic violence calls for service.
• Victims ranged in age from 18 to 75 years old, with 81% of IPV victims being female. Perpetrators ranged in age from 18 to 74 years old, with 77% of perpetrators being male.

The report also highlighted recommendations to help address the issue in specific fields such as legislation/policy, courts, law enforcement, and others. Anything from a funding increase for risk assessment training and service outreach for IPV providers to improved access to formal services. This report stresses education. More awareness of the problem and how a supportive friend or family member can act in a situation, improving professional IPV expertise, and making local domestic and sexual violence resource information available in clerk's offices goes a long way.

"For the Statistical Analysis Center, it's important, it's one of the most meaningful projects that we do because of the gravity of these cases, but also the potential for change, and that's huge," said Kristine Denman, principal investigator and director of the New Mexico Statistical Analysis Center. "Intimate partner violence is very prevalent and a serious problem. It's important to keep in mind that most IPV does not end in fatalities, but it's also important to understand the worst possible outcome."

This project started in the mid-1990s within the Health Sciences Center's Department of Emergency Medicine. The report examines fatality cases throughout the year that are fully resolved through the criminal justice system or the civil system. Reviews are conducted over 10 months, and the report is published annually. From there, it goes to the New Mexico legislature, governor, and others who work with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, such as police officers, advocates, shelters, etc.

"These are people who have full-time jobs and carve out time to sit on this review team and contribute to these activities. I think it speaks to the importance of the work and their dedication to it; their efforts should be acknowledged," Denman said of the Team.

"The Team's work is carried out in memory of victims and on behalf of their families and all those affected by intimate partner violence. By learning from their stories and applying effective prevention and intervention strategies,
their deaths will not have been in vain."

The IPVDRT is currently working on the 2026 fiscal year report, which will include IPV fatalities from 2022 and is set to be published next summer.

The New Mexico Statistical Analysis Center is housed inside the university's Institute for Social Research.