Estimating risk on filicide: a comparison of risk factors between fatal and non-fatal parental violence against children

Abstract

To prevent filicide (child homicide by parents) it is essential to distinguish high-risk families from low-risk families. This study aimed to identify risk factors for filicide by computing risk ratios of characteristics of victims and perpetrators of filicide compared with (1) general population families and (2) non-fatal child abuse cases. Data from three national registers were combined: the Dutch Homicide Monitor, the Dutch police reporting system and microdata from Statistics Netherlands. Compared to the general population, young children (0–3 years old), boys, and children in a single-parent family faced an increased risk on becoming a filicide victim. For perpetrators, several risk factors were distinguished such as: being 18–25 years old, mental health problems, financial hardship, single parenthood and recent violent victimization. Compared to non-fatal child abuse, filicide risk was higher among victims under 4 years old and perpetrators aged 18–25 who were experiencing financial hardship. Young children and those with young parents who experience high levels of stress and have limited recourses may be at increased risk of filicide. With a few exceptions, risk factors present in victims and perpetrators of filicide and non-fatal child abuse appeared to be quite similar.