TY - JOUR PY - 2014// TI - The relevance of long-term antecedents in assessing the risk of familicide-suicide following separation JO - Child abuse review A1 - Sachmann, Mark A1 - Harris Johnson, Carolyn Mary SP - 130 EP - 141 VL - 23 IS - 2 N2 - Familicide-suicide following separation is under-researched and remains a poorly understood phenomenon.

FINDINGS from previous research are inconclusive in relation to both risk factors and perpetrator motivation. This article explores the relevance of long-term biopsychosocial antecedents in cases of familicide-suicide that occurred in Western Australia between 1986 and 2005. A conceptualisation of the hypothesised risk factors in familicide-suicide is proposed based on attachment theory, personality dysfunction, the neurobiology of trauma and the possible unconscious motivation of perpetrators, which may prove helpful in assessing the risk of familicide-suicide in family court cases. The research identified and articulated a number of warning signs to familicide-suicide that are often not identified, or appreciated, by decision makers. Suggestions are offered for changes to practice that may be helpful in identifying and responding to high-risk cases in a way that enhances safety. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. 'A conceptualisation of the hypothesised risk factors in familicide-suicide is proposed' Key Practitioner Messages Clinicians need to be aware of the dynamic psychosocial risk factors associated with violent acting out such as: * The combination of Cluster B personality diagnoses. * A history of domestic violence. * Early childhood trauma requires good interagency communication and cooperation.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 0952-9136 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/car.2317 ID - ref1 ER -