Child Victims of Homicide
Cambridge University Press, 7/2/2001
EAN 9780521802215, ISBN10: 0521802210
Hardcover, 198 pages, 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm
Language: English
Children account for 10-20% of all homicide victims in Australia, UK, Canada and US. The most vulnerable time has been found to be the first year of life and, in particular, the first day of life. Unlike other forms of homicide where men are by far the most likely perpetrators, studies show that women are just as likely as men to commit child homicide. Using these findings, the authors of this book arrange their investigations along the dual lines of gender and position inside or outside the family. They ask who are the most likely killers of infants - mothers or fathers? Who are the most likely killers of adolescents - family or outsiders? They also consider patterns in suicide/homicides. This compelling study draws on Australian case studies and includes comparative statistics from the UK and North America. It will be useful to a wide interdisciplinary readership of scholars and students.
1. Introduction
2. What is 'child homicide'?
3. Mothers who kill their newborn infants
4. Mothers who kill their young children
5. Men who kill children in the family
6. Men who kill children outside the family
7. Conclusion.
'Child Victims of Homicide is cutting-edge research about male and female violence on children in the State of Victoria, Australia.' Journal of Family Studies