NCJ Number
246817
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 23 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 2014 Pages: 79-88
Date Published
April 2014
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the findings of a 10-year study of filicide in Victoria, Australia, using the data from selected case files held in the Victorian coroner's office for the period 2000-09.
Abstract
This paper discusses the findings of a 10-year study of filicide in Victoria, Australia, using the data from selected case files held in the Victorian coroner's office for the period 2000-09. The study sought to examine whether separation is a factor in filicide cases, as well as the role of other factors, such as domestic violence and mental illness. Also, the study sought to identify whether filicide perpetrators had contact with support services, including family and friends, general practitioners, mental health services and child protection services, in order to ascertain how these services might more appropriately identify those families most at risk prior to the filicide. The study found that while separation was a factor identified in a significant number of cases, more cases analyzed showed evidence of mental illness, mainly depression. These findings suggest the need for improved strategies in preventing filicide by identifying risk factors and improving service responses for victims prior to these tragic events. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.