An Epidemiologic Examination of Perpetrators of Fatal Child Maltreatment Using the National Violent Death Reporting...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Public Health
• Criminology

Background:

• Fatal child maltreatment in the U.S. saw a 12.9% increase between 2013 and 2016.
• Parents are the primary perpetrators of fatal child maltreatment, necessitating an examination of associated risk factors.
• Understanding perpetrator characteristics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between neonaticide, infanticide, filicide, and perpetrator characteristics.
• To identify demographic and relational factors associated with fatal child maltreatment.
• To inform targeted interventions and future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study utilizing the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS).
• Analysis of 1,023 fatal child maltreatment cases involving decedents aged 10 years and below (2011-2015).
• Multinomial logistic regression employed to evaluate perpetrator characteristics (age, sex, relationship to victim).

Main Results:

• Perpetrators were predominantly male (58%) and the child's parent (53%).
• Intimate partners constituted 22% of perpetrators.
• Perpetrator age, sex, and relationship to the victim significantly modified the odds of fatal maltreatment.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the critical need for male-focused interventions in preventing child maltreatment.
• Further research is required to understand the etiology of violence against children perpetrated by a parent's intimate partner.
• This study underscores the importance of considering perpetrator-victim dynamics in addressing child fatalities.