Includes bibliographical references (pages 213) and index.
Contents:
1. Oh My God "I Made a Mistake" -- 2. Features of Filicide: More Common Than We Think -- 3. Learning from the Greeks -- 4. Filicide Literature and Research -- 5. The Results of a Study of Filicide and Familicide -- 6. Mental Illness and Filicide Killings -- 7. To Kill Out of Love? -- 8. The Legislative Context -- 9. Jackie's Story -- 10. A Way Forward -- Postscript.
Summary:
This book explores the phenomenon of children being suddenly and often brutally killed by parents who have invariably professed their love for them. It reviews 128 cases of filicide in the UK between 1994 and 2012. The cases are presented in a way in which the magnitude of each tragedy is acknowledged. Very often in these cases, relationships between the parents are disintegrating, or, parents have already separated in an atmosphere of bitterness and hostility. Professionals may be involved trying to ensure that the children are not being used and exploited by either parent. Custody and access is usually a major source of tension. The book identifies relationship and family patterns in which the situation may rapidly deteriorate, and a parent may begin to perceive the child's life as the ultimate weapon in the dispute with their partner. O'Hagan explores the legal contexts which provide guidance for the key agencies involved. He provides frameworks for assessment derived from actual cases, and considers the implications for frontline workers. This book will be a valuable resource for criminology and social work scholars as well as practitioners, trainers and managers working in the fields of social work, child protection and law.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.