NCJ Number
160798
Date Published
1995
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines a project in England and a project in Australia that examined the risk factors for child homicide by parents or guardians.
Abstract
The analysis considered 48 cases in England and Wales and 22 cases in New South Wales, Australia. Results revealed that most perpetrators were female in England and Wales and male in Australia. In both groups, however, the murderers were typically young and had become parents at a young age. Although biological parents of the victim predominated, nonbiological caregivers were significantly overrepresented compared to their proportion in the general population. More than half the suspects were unemployed and those who were employed were concentrated in the lower social classes. A history of psychiatric disorder, particularly depression and psychosis, was a common feature, as were prior psychiatric treatment and drug dependence. Victims were usually under 5 years old and either the only or youngest child in the family. The children were usually killed in the home without any witnesses. A history of marital conflict and violence was common, as was a history of physical violence toward the victim before the fatal assault. The majority of suspects had contact with child welfare agencies, medical providers, or other professional agencies before the child's death. Findings indicated the need for comprehensive risk assessments in all child protection cases and for interagency cooperation. Case example