Filicide, or the killing of a child by their parent(s), is a worldwide phenomenon. It occurs at a higher-than-average rate in Australia than in similar countries, accounting for the second largest number of domestic homicides, after intimate partner homicide. Existing research suggests that mothers are the primary perpetrators of infanticide, while fathers or stepfathers are more prone to killing older children through abuse or neglect. This presentation aims to challenge these narratives and unpack the domestic and family violence (DFV) context of filicide in Australia. Exploring the characteristics of perpetrators can assist in practitioners’ responses to DFV and strengthen the evidence base for policy makers. Addressing the DFV context of filicide, this presentation aims to highlight the value of addressing this context in practitioner led interventions. The findings from a national filicide project will be discussed, with a particular emphasis on the rate and characteristics of filicide committed by mothers, fathers, and stepfathers.
ANROWS and the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Network (the Network) formed a partnership in 2020 which involves the collection, analysis, and reporting of data concerning DFV-related deaths. As part of this partnership, ANROWS and the Network embarked on a project to establish a national minimum dataset for filicide, collecting data from all Australian jurisdictions. The project seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of DFV context filicide and contribute to the understanding of this issue in Australia. This dataset includes information on the victims, perpetrators, and case characteristics, as well as details concerning the DFV context surrounding each filicide. The implications of the findings and their significance in understanding the patterns of perpetration will be highlighted. Furthermore, the research will be discussed regarding its potential to inform policy development and guide practical interventions, aiming to support service delivery in addressing filicide in a DFV context.