TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - Familicide: a systematic literature review
JO  - Trauma, violence, and abuse
A1  - Karlsson, Linda C.
A1  - Antfolk, Jan
A1  - Putkonen, Hanna
A1  - Amon, Sabine
A1  - da Silva Guerreiro, João
A1  - de Vogel, Vivienne
A1  - Flynn, Sandra
A1  - Weizmann-Henelius, Ghitta
SP  - 1524838018821955
EP  - 1524838018821955
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - Familicides have received relatively little attention and are mostly discussed in studies with broader aims. Here, we reviewed 67 studies from 18 countries on familicides, in which an offender killed or attempted to kill their current or former spouse/intimate partner and one or more of their biological or stepchildren. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Eight studies investigated familicide specifically, while the remaining reported on familicide cases as a subsample. We retrieved data on offenders' gender, age, and background as well as on victims and their relationship to the offender. We also retrieved data on contextual factors and offense characteristics (i.e., modus operandi, offense location, premeditation, and whether or not the offender had committed suicide). We also coded methodological aspects of the studies. Familicides were almost exclusively committed by men and about half of the familicide cases led to the suicide of the offender. Mental health problems, relationship problems, and financial difficulties were prevalent. Because few studies reported population base rates of the investigated characteristics, it is difficult to draw conclusions about specific risk factors. Future research should further investigate typologies of familicide and examine risk factors for different types of familicides.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1524-8380
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1524838018821955
ID  - ref1
ER  -