Paternal filicide: Examining spousal revenge and mental illness

L. Morella

School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Federation University, Victoria, lindamorella@students.federation.edu.au

Regarded as one of the most heinous crimes, paternal filicide are difficult to comprehend. Highly publicised cases such as the death of the Faquason children and Luke Batty in Victoria, brought . ‘Spousal revenge’ is  . Numerous studies have collat characteristics and explanations of whyfemale offenderscommit filicide. perpetrators of maternal filicide often suffer from mental illness, paternal filicide and mental health.

Addressing and preventing paternal filicide is a concern for . This the notion of spousal revenge mental illness to identify and gain better understanding of of paternal filicide occurring.

By specific mental health issues experienced by paternal filicide offendersit is risk factors . This in turn be used to positive changes within various agencies within policy, practice and legislation. These findings have the potential to improve support and management of members of the community and to predict and prevent further incidents of filicide.