Toward a Better Understanding of the Psychosocial Issues and Different Profiles of Male Filicides

Violence against children is a major public health concern and involves significant consequences. However, compared to research on the impact of violence on children, far less is known about the perpetrators of violence against children. The present study aimed to evaluate the psychosocial characteristics and motives of perpetrators of filicide in order to identify their psychosocial profile. Our study analyzed 50 perpetrators of filicides committed in the province of Quebec between 1997 and 2012. Data was obtained from the Office of the Chief Coroner of Quebec, and additional information were retrieved from newspapers. Descriptive analyzes identified the sociodemographic, criminological, psychological-psychiatric characteristics and the motivations of these men. The results indicate that male perpetrators of filicide are, on average, 34.8 years old (SD = 11.9), 46% between the ages of 18 and 35, 48% between the ages of 36 and 55, and 4% are 56 years of age and over. Most filicides were committed following a marital separation (34%), the victims were between 0 and 5 years old (78%) and they were killed with bare hands (78%). Half of the perpetrators of filicide had a criminal record (42%) or history of domestic violence (50%). Some of these men had traits or borderline personality disorder (32%) and depressive symptoms (24%). The addition of clinical cases expands our understanding of the different profiles of perpetrators of filicide. Our study provides avenues for intervention and to promote a better prevention of this type of homicide.

Interventions for adult survivors of intrafamilial homicide: A review of the literature

Individuals bereaved by intrafamilial homicide, in which the perpetrator and decedent were both members of the same family, experience an elevated risk for risk for mental health complications. Given the contextual complexity of intrafamilial homicide (IFH) and the negative sequalae this form of loss can engender, psychological interventions may assist survivors with adjustment on a number of fronts. This scoping review therefore addresses an important knowledge gap by summarizing the limited information on interventions specific to intrafamilial homicide survivors. Results failed to identify interventions specific to IFH bereavement, though interventions that may be deemed appropriate are highlighted and described. As such, this scoping review provides a practical synthesis of evidence-based and evidence-informed psychological interventions for traumatic loss that are applicable to and may hold promise for this vulnerable population. Recommendations for future research and best practices with intrafamilial homicide survivors are also discussed.