Life focused on the partner. If abusers perceive the victim's leaving as a total loss and that there is no more to lose, killing the victim may be a possibility. Not all abusers kill when they conclude that a partner is leaving. Some kill at other times. Mental health problems.
Few abusers are mentally ill and only a few mentally ill abusers are homicidal.
However, abusers who have acute psychotic episodes or rage may be more dangerous. Abusers who are intensely depressed and see little hope may be homicidal or suicidal. When abusers possess, have access to, or have used weapons in the past, the potential for lethal assault increases. Fire should be considered a weapon if an abuser has a history of arson or threatens arson. Drugs and alcohol.