1
|
Boyd C, Sutton D, Dawson M, Zecha A, Poon J, Straatman AL, Jaffe P. Familicide in Canada, 2010 to 2019. Homicide Stud 2024; 28:151-170. [PMID: 38618556 PMCID: PMC11014778 DOI: 10.1177/10887679221097626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Familicide is rare; however, the high victim counts in each incident and context surrounding these killings underscore the need for further research. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding familicide in Canada. Using univariate statistics, this study analyzed 26 incidents of familicide that occurred in Canada between 2010 and 2019. The results show that familicide is a gendered crime involving primarily male accused who often target female victims, have a history of domestic violence, and commit the killings using firearms. This research highlights the importance of developing risk assessment, risk management, and safety planning strategies to address warning signs and prevent future familicides.
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Domestic homicide (DH) is the most extreme form of domestic violence (DV). There has been a growing worldwide interest in DH offenses and the characteristics of perpetrators and victims, and it is evidenced in part by the increase in the number of primary research studies in this area. The findings of a large number of the available primary literature have already been summarized into several systematic reviews. The principal purposes of this study were to identify what types and aspects of DH have been reviewed systematically (research trends), to synthesize findings from recent systematic reviews of the theoretical and empirical literature on the different types of DH (main findings), and to consider what existing reviews can tell us about the implications for policy and practice as well as future primary research (implications). The current study utilized a systematic review approach to locate systematic reviews of studies on DH. The final sample included 25 systematic review articles published from 2010 to 2020, including 12 on intimate partner homicide, eight on child homicide, and five on familicide. The main research questions varied across systematic reviews, but they included risk factors, statistics on incidence and prevalence, theories, risk assessment tools, punishment and disposition, and prevention strategies. Building on the synthesis findings, the current study concludes with suggestions for future systematic review research and implications for practice and policy efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bitna Kim
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Alida V Merlo
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vignali G, Blandino A, Rossetto I, Merzagora I. Intra-familiar homicides: From 2006 to 2021 in the judicial district of Milan. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 93:102453. [PMID: 36495782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present research aims at analyzing criminological and medico-legal characteristics of intra-familiar homicides occurred in two major Italian cities (Milano and Monza) from the beginning of 2006 to the end of 2021. METHODS Cases were identified using the Institutional database of the Institute of Legal Medicine of Milan, where all the autopsies of victims were performed. Data about these cases were obtained from autopsies findings, preliminary investigation reports, local papers and victim relatives' interviews. In this period 11,480 autopsies were performed: 392 were homicides and, among these, 94 were confirmed as intra-familiar homicides (as a result of 84 events). Cases were classified according to the classic definition of intimate partner violence (referring only to an intra-familiar context), parricides, filicides, fratricides, familicides and grannicides. Age, sex, nationality and risk factors of the victims and perpetrators, as well as methods of murder were registered for each case. Only in some cases, motives for murder were known. RESULTS The most frequent type of intra-familiar homicides was intimate partner violence (41.5%), followed by parricides (16%, mainly matricides), filicides (10.7%) and fratricides (6.4%). 9.6% of the total number of events were familicides. Risk factors were frequently involved, in particular among perpetrators and in the group of parricides, while among siblicides they showed minimal relevance. Overall, psychiatric pathologies were the main risk factors involved (at least 23.8%), unlike extrafamiliar homicides, where previous criminal report or involvement in illicit traffics are frequently reported among perpetrators. This finding enlightens the difficulties of caring for a relative with a mental disorder, who can become dangerous for the domestic caregiver. Furthermore, the high number of physical illness and the advanced age of victims points out the tragical consequences of the lack of social support system for these categories of people. METHODS of murder were mainly cold steel (30-31.9%) and firearms (21-22.3%). However choking/manual ligature (9-9.6%), blunt force trauma inflicted using objects found on the scenario or bare handed (16-17%) and combined methods (11-11.7%) were frequently represented confirming the expected high level of impulsivity related to this kind of crime.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Vignali
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Blandino
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rossetto
- Poli-REMS Castiglione Delle Stiviere, ASST Mantova, Mantova, Italy
| | - Isabella Merzagora
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Milia G, Noonan M. Experiences and perspectives of women who have committed neonaticide, infanticide and filicide: A systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2022; 29:813-828. [PMID: 35255182 PMCID: PMC9790608 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The phenomenon of child killing (neonaticide, infanticide or filicide) is a rare event that cannot be fully explained by a single construct as each case involves the unique life circumstances of each woman who committed the act(s). WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The majority of women who committed neonaticide, infanticide or filicide regretted the act and regretted not seeking help from family and healthcare professionals. Women who committed neonaticide, infanticide or filicide in the main had complex circumstances characterised by poverty, abusive relationships, poor family and social support or over reliance on family supports and mental health issues. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Women require a clear plan of what to do if they feel overwhelmed with caring for a baby or child. Healthcare professionals involved with women in the perinatal period need to explore further women's expressions of "not being ready to be a mother" which for some women may be pathological and require further assessment. Women need to be made aware of the support service pathways available to them during the perinatal period and beyond. Further research is needed to explore and learn from women's experiences to reduce child homicide mortality and support women and their families. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Meaning and personal experiences of the acts of neonaticide, infanticide and filicide have rarely been investigated from the perspectives of the women who committed those acts. AIMS To identify and synthesise evidence on the perspectives of women directly involved in the complex phenomena of neonaticide, infanticide or filicide from the evidence available on their unique point of view and how these experiences have affected women's lives. To understand how the experiences and perceptions of women who engaged in child killing present similarities or differences according to the child's age at time of death. METHODS Qualitative primary studies published in English were included if they explored the experiences of women who engaged in neonaticide, infanticide or filicide. Methodological quality was assessed using the qualitative Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. A thematic analysis framework guided the synthesis. RESULTS Seven papers reporting on five studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Three analytical themes were identified: Not ready to be a mother; Intentionality and premeditation in the context of trauma and mental health issues; Sorrow of regret. DISCUSSION The majority of women who committed neonaticide, infanticide or filicide had complex psychological, social and personal circumstances and in the main regretted the act and regretted not seeking help from family and healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals in contact with women during the perinatal period and beyond need to be aware of the profiles of vulnerable women and undertake holistic integrated assessments to identify the woman's personal context, changes in interpersonal relationships, social isolation or over reliance on family supports and changes in mental health status or new onset of mental health conditions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Women require a clear plan of what to do if they feel overwhelmed with caring for a baby or child. Healthcare professionals involved with women in the perinatal period need to explore further women's expressions of "not being ready to be a mother" which for some women might be pathological and require further assessment. Women need to be made aware of the support services pathways available to them during the perinatal period and beyond. Further research is needed to explore and learn from women's experiences of each of the phenomena separately to reduce child homicide mortality and support women and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Milia
- Faculty of Education and Health Science, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Maria Noonan
- Faculty of Education and Health Science, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rantanen H, Nieminen I, Kaunonen M, Jouet E, Zabłocka-Żytka L, Viganò G, Crocamo C, Schecke H, Zlatkute G, Paavilainen E. Family Needs Checklist: Development of a Mobile Application for Parents with Children to Assess the Risk for Child Maltreatment. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19169810. [PMID: 36011439 PMCID: PMC9408053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment (CM) has been enormously studied. However, a preventive practice still requires comprehensive and effective instruments to assess the risks for CM in a family context. The aim of this study is to describe the development process of an evidence-based CM risk assessment instrument (Family Needs Checklist, FNC) for primary prevention online utilization. This article reports the development process of the checklist and its mobile application, consisting of a systematic literature review, identification of known risk factors using the content analysis method, and generation of the checklist, including a multidisciplinary group in the design and feedback. As a result, a comprehensive and compact checklist was developed to be used by parents or caregivers as a self-referral instrument with an option to be used with professionals as a basis for joint conversations. The FNC consists of parental, family-, and child-related risk factors. Based on the international evidence, the online application consists of knowledge about different CM types, information about risk factors and protective factors as well as recommendations and guidance to support services. The FNC is based on robust evidence on known risk factors causing CM in families. It can be used for primary prevention utilization in the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rantanen
- Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere University Hospital, Elämänaukio 2, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Correspondence: (H.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Irja Nieminen
- Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- School of Health Sciences, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Kuntokatu 3, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Marja Kaunonen
- Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Pirkanmaa Hospital District, Tampere University Hospital, Elämänaukio 2, 33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Emmanuelle Jouet
- Mental Health and Social Sciences Research Laboratory, Groupement Hospitalier Universitaire, Psychiatrie & Neurosciences (GHU-PARIS), 258 Rue Marcaret, Bât N, 2ème étage, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Lidia Zabłocka-Żytka
- Institute of Psychology, The Maria Grzegorzewska University, Szczęśliwicka 40, 02-353 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Giovanni Viganò
- Synergia s.r.l., Via Molino delle Armi 19, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Crocamo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Biocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Henrike Schecke
- Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addictive Medicine, LVR-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchocstrasse 174, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Giedre Zlatkute
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, N Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9TF, UK
| | - Eija Paavilainen
- Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland
- Etelä-Pohjanmaa Hospital District, 60220 Seinäjoki, Finland
- Correspondence: (H.R.); (E.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Karlsson LC, Antfolk J, Putkonen H, Amon S, da Silva Guerreiro J, de Vogel V, Flynn S, Weizmann-Henelius G. Familicide: A Systematic Literature Review. Trauma Violence Abuse 2021; 22:83-98. [PMID: 30704336 DOI: 10.1177/1524838018821955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Familicides have received relatively little attention and are mostly discussed in studies with broader aims. Here, we reviewed 67 studies from 18 countries on familicides, in which an offender killed or attempted to kill their current or former spouse/intimate partner and one or more of their biological or stepchildren. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Eight studies investigated familicide specifically, while the remaining reported on familicide cases as a subsample. We retrieved data on offenders' gender, age, and background as well as on victims and their relationship to the offender. We also retrieved data on contextual factors and offense characteristics (i.e., modus operandi, offense location, premeditation, and whether or not the offender had committed suicide). We also coded methodological aspects of the studies. Familicides were almost exclusively committed by men and about half of the familicide cases led to the suicide of the offender. Mental health problems, relationship problems, and financial difficulties were prevalent. Because few studies reported population base rates of the investigated characteristics, it is difficult to draw conclusions about specific risk factors. Future research should further investigate typologies of familicide and examine risk factors for different types of familicides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda C Karlsson
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jan Antfolk
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Hanna Putkonen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Addiction Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sabine Amon
- Department of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - João da Silva Guerreiro
- Department of Psychology, Centre de recherche de l'Institut Philippe Pinel de Montréal, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Vivienne de Vogel
- De Forensische Zorgspecialisten and University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Flynn
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ghitta Weizmann-Henelius
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Vanha Vaasa Hospital, Vaasa, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sassi S, Hakko H, Räty E, Riipinen P. Light motor vehicle collisions with heavy vehicles — Psychosocial and health related risk factors of drivers being at-fault for collisions. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 291:245-252. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|