Intimate partner violence found in majority of cases of a parent killing their child
MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 2 July 2024
A landmark report from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS) and the Australian Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Network (the Network) sheds new light on the alarming intersection of intimate partner violence and filicide, the act of a parent killing their child. This national report is also the most comprehensive examination of national figures to-date.
The study examined 113 cases of filicide occurring from 2010-2018. Of these, 86 cases (76%) had an identifiable history of domestic and family violence.
Key findings from the 86 cases:
- In 9 in 10 cases (88%) there was a history of intimate partner violence.
- 97% of the primary perpetrators of this intimate partner violence were men who had killed their children.
- In contrast, 96% of the primary victim-survivors of this intimate partner violence were women who had killed their children.
- In 8 in 10 cases (78%) the children had experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence prior to being killed.
- Men comprised two-thirds (68%) of the parents who killed their children.
- 106 children were killed, with some cases involving more than one child.
- Nearly half (46%) of the children killed by their parents were aged under two years old.
- Approximately one quarter (26%) of children killed were Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This is despite Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children comprising around 6% of the child population, highlighting the ongoing harm of colonial dispossession, structural violence, and a lack of culturally appropriate support services.
Dr Tessa Boyd-Caine CEO at ANROWS said,
“The killing of a child by a parent is incomprehensible to most, yet it is occurring in Australia with alarming frequency. The evidence shows that violence against women and violence against children are deeply connected.
There is also a concerning pattern of gendered violence in these findings. We need urgent, concerted action to ensure every child is safe within the confines of their own home. Otherwise, we are failing those most in need of protection.”
Anna Butler, Chair of the Network, said:
“We must prioritise prevention and intervention strategies that address the root causes of domestic and family violence to safeguard vulnerable individuals and families. By fostering a culture of early intervention and support, and coordinating efforts across sectors including education, healthcare, law enforcement and social services, we can mitigate the risk of tragic outcomes and create safer communities for all.”
For more information on filicide, the intersection with intimate partner violence, and the urgent need for preventative measures, please refer to the full report available here:
Research report: Filicides in a domestic and family violence context 2010–2018
Media resource: Tips for reporting findings from Australia’s first national report on filicides in the context of domestic and family violence
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Elliott Holohan
ANROWS Media & Strategic Communications Specialist
M: 0411 507 542| E: [email protected]
About ANROWS
Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety Limited (ANROWS) is a not-for-profit independent national research organisation.
ANROWS is an initiative of Australia’s National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022. ANROWS was established by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments of Australia to produce, disseminate and assist in applying evidence for policy and practice addressing violence against women and their children. ANROWS is the only such research organisation in Australia.