1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« A classification system applicable to perpetrators of either gender that takes into account several characteristics of filicide and associated circumstances » (p. 354) was used in this study « [...] to categorize filicides committed by a sample of paternal perpetrators of child homicide in the province of Québec, Canada, collected retrospectively over 11 years. » (p. 355)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
« This retrospective clinical study is based on the examination of coroners’ files on domestic homicide pertaining to children killed by their fathers in the province of Québec from 1991 to 2001. The study was conducted with the Québec Coroner Head Office. […] Seventy-seven cases of paternal filicide were identified, representing the total number of victims of paternal filicide […]. From these files we extracted information about circumstances surrounding the homicides, and demographic and clinical factors of victims and perpetrators, to enable categorization according to our classification system. » (p. 355)

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu et analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« In this retrospective study, relevant demographic, social, and clinical variables were examined in 77 cases of paternal filicide. Between 1991 and 2001, all consecutive coroners’ files on domestic homicide in Québec, Canada, were reviewed, and 77 child victims of 60 male parent perpetrators were identified. The results support data indicating that more fathers commit filicide than do mothers. A history of family abuse was characteristic of a substantial number of cases, and most of the cases involved violent means of homicide. Filicide was frequently (60%) followed by the suicide of the perpetrator and more so (86%) in cases involving multiple victims. The abuse of drugs and alcohol was rare. At the time of the offense, most of the perpetrators were suffering from a psychiatric illness, usually depressive disorder. Nearly one-third were in a psychotic state. The proportion of fatal abuse cases was comparatively low. Many of the perpetrators had had contact with health professionals prior to the offense, although none had received treatment for a psychiatric illness. » (p. 354)