Familicides have received relatively little attention and are mostly discussed in studies with broader aims. Here, we reviewed 67 studies from 18 countries on familicides, in which an offender killed or attempted to kill their current or former spouse/intimate partner and one or more of their biological or stepchildren. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Eight studies investigated familicide specifically, while the remaining reported on familicide cases as a subsample. We retrieved data on offenders’ gender, age, and background as well as on victims and their relationship to the offender. We also retrieved data on contextual factors and offense characteristics (i.e., modus operandi, offense location, premeditation, and whether or not the offender had committed suicide). We also coded methodological aspects of the studies. Familicides were almost exclusively committed by men and about half of the familicide cases led to the suicide of the offender. Mental health problems, relationship problems, and financial difficulties were prevalent. Because few studies reported population base rates of the investigated characteristics, it is difficult to draw conclusions about specific risk factors. Future research should further investigate typologies of familicide and examine risk factors for different types of familicides.

Familicides have received relatively little attention in previous research and mostly appear as a byproduct in studies with broader objectives. Here, we reviewed 67 studies from 18 countries, published between 1980 and 2017, that report on familicides in which an offender killed or attempted to kill their current or former spouse/intimate partner and one or more of their biological or stepchildren. Studies were identified by a systematical literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Only eight studies had the specific aim of investigating familicide, while the remaining studies investigated broader phenomena (e.g., homicide-suicide) but reported on a subsample of familicide cases. We retrieved data concerning the offenders’ gender, age, and background, as well as information regarding victims and their relationship to the offender. We also retrieved contextual factors and characteristics of the offence, such as modus operandi, offence location, possible premeditation, and whether or not the offender had died by suicide in connection to the offence. Furthermore, we coded methodological aspects of the studies, such as data collection coverage and sources of information. Familicides were almost exclusively committed by men and about half of the familicide cases led to the subsequent suicide of the offender. Mental health problems, relationship problems, and financial difficulties were prevalent. Because few studies reported population base rates of the investigated characteristics, it is difficult to draw conclusions about risk factors for familicide. Future research should further investigate typologies of familicide and examine risk factors associated with different types of familicides.

Cette étude vise l’identification des déclencheurs qui précèdent les agressions survenues dans un hôpital psychiatrique fermé. Une analyse de contenu de 140 rapports d’incident visant l’identification du déclencheur qui précédait immédiatement les événements d’agression survenus entre 2012 et 2017 a été effectuée. Avec un accord interjuge de 0,87, les résultats concordent avec ceux retrouvés dans des études précédentes. Plus de 37 % des agressions surviennent à la suite d’une intervention verbale d’un intervenant, alors qu’un peu plus de 54 % ont lieu à la suite d’un contact physique entre un intervenant et un patient. Moins de 9 % des agressions subies par le personnel sont liées à des événements où il a été impossible d’observer un déclencheur. Ces résultats sont discutés dans le cadre d’une approche interactionnelle sur l’agression en psychiatrie légale et ils permettent de proposer des pistes pour réduire le risque d’agression.