Citation

Hunter AA, DiVietro S, Schwab-Reese LM, Riffon M. J. Interpers. Violence 2019; ePub(ePub): 886260519851787.

Affiliation

5 Independent Researcher.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886260519851787

PMID

31185785

Abstract

Fatal child maltreatment in the United States increased 12.9% from 2013 to 2016. Parents are the predominant perpetrators, underscoring the need to examine risk factors associated with this class of offenders. This study examined the relationship between three primary forms of fatal child maltreatment (neonaticide, infanticide, and filicide) and perpetrator characteristics. Using the National Violent Death Reporting System, we employed a retrospective observational study to examine fatal child maltreatment in decedents aged 10 years and below from 2011 to 2015. Multinomial logistic regression of 1,023 maltreatment-related deaths was used to evaluate perpetrator characteristics. Perpetrators were most often male (58%) and the parent of the child victim (53%). Intimate partners represented 22% of perpetrators. The odds of fatal maltreatment were modified by perpetrator age, sex, and relationship to the victim.

RESULTS underscore a need for male-focused interventions and research examining the etiology of violence against children perpetrated by the intimate partner of a parent.

Language: en

Keywords

child abuse; children exposed to domestic violence; domestic violence; homicide; prevention of child abuse