Citation

Johnson A, Dawson M. Child Abuse Rev. 2021; 30(3): 251-267.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/car.2674

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Child homicides are rare occurrences, but when they occur, they often cause significant outrage. This paper examines the role of varying degrees of intimacy between victims and perpetrators in determining characteristics in child homicide cases. Focusing on 533 cases of child homicide between 1985 and 2012 in Ontario, Canada, characteristics of intrafamilial and extrafamilial cases, biological and step/foster parents, and maternal and paternal perpetrators are compared.

RESULTS show that characteristics of the child homicide vary depending on the degree of intimacy between victims and perpetrators, including: perpetrator and victim age, weapon use, suicide following the offence, sexual violence and use of excessive force. These findings provide support for developmental victimology and a routine activities theoretical perspective. Suggestions for future research and policy implications are also discussed. 'Examines the role of varying degrees of intimacy between victims and perpetrators in determining characteristics in child homicide cases'. Key Practitioner Messages: Younger children are at a greater risk of homicide from family members, while older children are at a greater risk of homicide from individuals outside the family. Developmental victimology and routine activities theory can contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics between victims and perpetrators in child homicide. Collaboration should take place between researchers, child death review committees, mental health services, social services and policymakers to improve child homicide prevention and intervention initiatives. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

filicide; child homicide; developmental victimology; offence characteristics