1. Objectifs

Intentions :
L’étude vise à dresser un portrait des meurtres intrafamilaux au Québec pour en faire une comparaison avec les crimes semblables dans l’ensemble du Canada.

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«The present study is part of an ongoing research project with the Quebec Coroner’s Office. We were authorized to have unlimited access to all investigation files on consecutive cases of deaths secondary to domestic or intrafamilial violence occurring in the province of Quebec since 1991. The analysis included all 388 victims of homicide by either a family member or a spouse, including offenders who subsequently killed themselves (victims of suicide), regardless of the marital status at the time of death. For the purpose of the present study, the period 1991 to 1998 was targeted.» (p. 180)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

«The proportion of spousal homicide in Quebec is comparable to that of Canada overall.» (p. 181) «Interestingly, the study highlighted few differences between the homicide incidents and the extended homicide-suicide incidents, but these were significant. For instance, the extended homicide suicide incidents involved predominantly male offenders. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, they mostly used a firearm. […] One striking finding was the fact that in approximately one quarter of the homicidal incidents, a female spouse killed a male spouse. This finding may bring forth various interpretations. It may give credence to the ‘battered wife syndrome’ theory where self-defense is a motivation and the homicide is an expression of self-defense.» (p. 182)