Work

From Caring to Killing: A Typology of Homicides and Homicide–Suicides Perpetrated by Caregivers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Caregivers are people who provide essential care for family members or friends with long-term illnesses or disabilities. A growing body of research has shown that caregivers contemplate suicide at higher-than-average rates, with some also contemplating homicide (killing the person for whom they care) or homicide-suicide. Although anecdotal reports of caregiver-perpetrated homicides abound, the scholarly research has been fragmented and led to unsubstantiated claims (by policy makers and frontline professionals) that these are isolated tragedies that cannot be predicted or prevented. Typologies have been used to guide the study, prediction, and prevention of domestic homicides, but they do not adequately capture the diversity and complexity of caregiver-perpetrated homicides. The aim of this study was to develop a dedicated typology of caregiver-perpetrated homicides that could provide a framework for more rigorous research and facilitate targeted prediction and prevention initiatives. Results Ideal Type Analysis was applied to sixty-four homicides and homicide-suicides perpetrated by caregivers in England and Wales between January 2015 and December 2019. The cases clustered into seven clear Types: Ending Suffering; Genuine Burden of Care; Pre-Existing Mental Illness; Neglect; Exploitation; Caregiver as Victim of Domestic Violence, Abuse or Coercive Control; and, Caregiver as Perpetrator of Domestic Violence, Abuse, or Coercive Control. Each type was characterised by a distinct motive, context, or course of events leading to the homicide. Conclusions This is the first typology of homicides and homicide-suicides perpetrated by caregivers. It challenges claims that these are isolated events and highlights opportunities for prediction and prevention. The Caregiver-Perpetrated Homicide Typology also provides a framework for future research, including an exploration of the social, economic, and political contexts in which these homicides take place, and the development of evidence-based responses across the health, social care, and criminal justice sectors.

Source: Social Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/socsci14060376

Authors: Siobhan O'Dwyer, Charlie Bishop, Rachel Gimson, G.J. Melendez-Torres, Daniel Stevens, Lorna Hardy

Institutions: University of Birmingham, University of Exeter

Language: English

Topic: Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172