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Women who kill their children
Clotilde Rougé-Maillart1, Nathalie Jousset, Arnaud Gaudin
1Forensic Medicine Department, Angers, France. CIRouge-Maillart@chu-angers.fr
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|November 24, 2005
Summary
This study analyzed 17 cases of filicide, distinguishing two types of mothers who kill their children. Prevention strategies for child murder should focus on identifying at-risk mothers and addressing psychosocial stressors.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Filicide, the killing of a child by a parent, is distinct from neonaticide (infant killing).
- Understanding the characteristics and motivations of mothers who commit filicide is crucial for prevention.
- Previous research suggests mothers charged with filicide may differ from other child-killing mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics and motivations of mothers who committed filicide.
- To differentiate between types of filicide offenders.
- To identify potential risk and prevention factors for child murder.
Main Methods:
- A 10-year retrospective study at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Angers.
- Analysis of 17 cases of filicide involving 19 child victims.
- Data collected from forensic medical files, police reports, legal files, interviews, and psychiatric examinations.
Main Results:
- Two distinct groups of filicide mothers were identified.
- Group 1: Younger, immature mothers with abused children, similar to neonaticide cases.
- Group 2: Older, married, employed mothers, often premeditating the crime with violent methods; motivations included altruism and spousal revenge.
- Fifteen perpetrators exhibited disturbed behavior, and seven attempted suicide.
Conclusions:
- Filicide mothers can be broadly categorized, with distinct profiles and motivations.
- Risk factors include psychosocial stressors like lack of support, marital issues, and unrealistic motherhood expectations.
- Prevention requires early identification of at-risk individuals, with medical professionals playing a key role.