Citation

Liem MCA, Koenraadt F. J. Forensic Psychiatry Psychol. 2007; 18(4): 482-493.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/14789940701491370

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Homicides followed by the suicide of the perpetrator are a rare yet very serious form of interpersonal violence which occurs mainly in partnerships and families. It typically leads to widespread public interest and unease. No systematic research on homicide-suicide has ever been conducted in the Netherlands.

AIM: The aim of this study is to describe the nature and incidence of homicide-suicide in the Netherlands in the period 1992-2005, using cases reported in both national and regional newspapers.

RESULTS: On the basis of newspaper accounts, homicide-suicide occurred on average seven times per year during this time period. Spousal/ consortial homicide-suicide was predominant, followed by homicide-suicide involving the perpetrator's own children and familicide-suicide. The perpetrators across all categories of homicide-suicide were predominantly male; the victims were predominantly women and children. Firearms were used in the majority of the homicides and subsequent suicides.

CONCLUSION: The domestic nature of homicide-suicide events is discussed. Future research should aim to incorporate multiple methods in order to assess accurately the epidemiology of homicide-suicide in the Netherlands.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; homicide; suicide; child; female; male; incidence; prevalence; suicide attempt; Netherlands; Homicide-suicide; firearm; article; family violence; Extended suicide; priority journal; criminal behavior; publication; Murder-suicide; partner violence; Family homicide; Media reporting; Newspaper surveillance