Article type: Original Research
6 November 2012
Volume 37 Issue 4
Article type: Original Research
6 November 2012
Volume 37 Issue 4
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An Abominable Crime: Filicide in the Context of Parental Separation and Divorce
Thea Brown1 * 
Danielle Tyson2
Affiliations
1 Department of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Monash University, Australia
2 Department of Criminology, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Melbourne, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Australia
Correspondence
*Professor Thea Brown
Contributions
Thea Brown -
Danielle Tyson -
Thea Brown1 *
Danielle Tyson2
Affiliations
1 Department of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Melbourne, Monash University, Australia
2 Department of Criminology, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Melbourne, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Australia
Correspondence
*Professor Thea Brown
CITATION: Brown T., & Tyson D. (2012). An Abominable Crime: Filicide in the Context of Parental Separation and Divorce. Children Australia, 37(4), 1847. doi.org/10.1017/cha.2012.36
Abstract
The victims of filicide in the context of parental separation and divorce have recently been identified as the largest group among all filicide victims in Australia. Nevertheless, research into this group of victims has been sparse, fragmentary and contradictory, with the consequence that confusion has prevailed. This article critically reflects on the existing research on filicide and argues that it has been insufficiently comprehensive and reliable and, therefore, is not suitable for use as a knowledge base for professional individuals, programmatic and policy interventions, and prevention. The article suggests ways of developing more reliable research for knowledge building and details the data developed so far that underpins their recommendations for a national programme of research.