Filicide-Suicide : The Killing of Children in the Context of Separation, Divorce and Custody Disputes

O'Hagan explores the phenomenon of filicide, a deliberate act of a parent killing his or her own son or daughter. Examining over 120 cases of filicide in the UK, this book identifies relationship and family patterns in which situations may rapidly deteriorate, and children may become the ultimate weapon in disputes between partners. 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 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. 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. Kieran O'hagan. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "Kieran O'Hagan's latest contribution to the child protection literature once again challenges the dominant orthodoxies. O'Hagan passionately and ethically analyses the killing of children in separation, divorce and custody disputes. This powerful and descriptive work will resonate in child protection systems around the world. O'Hagan closely examines the awful, final symbolism of many of these devastating acts. The research will contribute to the work of all those involved in child protection: social workers, nurses, doctors, police, lawyers and judges. Many children would be safer if there were fewer bureaucratic responses to these tragedies and more original and perceptive thinkers like O'Hagan contributing to this important area of practice."--Chris Goddard, Monash University, Australia Front Matter....Pages i-xii Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Oh my God ... I made a mistake .......Pages 3-17 Features of filicide....Pages 18-32 Learning from the Greeks....Pages 33-47 Front Matter....Pages 49-49 Filicide literature and research....Pages 51-71 The results of a study of filicide and familicide....Pages 72-113 Mental illness and filicide killings....Pages 114-131 Front Matter....Pages 133-133 To kill out of love ...?....Pages 135-150 The legislative context....Pages 151-168 Jackie’s story....Pages 169-183 A way forward....Pages 184-203 Postscript....Pages 204-212 Back Matter....Pages 213-230