Child murder by mothers: patterns and prevention
- PMID: 18188430
- PMCID: PMC2174580
Child murder by mothers: patterns and prevention
Abstract
The tragedy of maternal filicide, or child murder by mothers, has occurred throughout history and throughout the world. This review of the research literature sought to identify common predictors in the general population as well as in correctional and psychiatric samples. Further research is needed to improve identification of children and mothers at risk. Infanticide laws are discussed. Suggestions for prevention are made based on the current literature and the authors' experiences.
Keywords: Filicide; child homicide; infanticide.
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