News

AIC research examines homicide of parents by their children

Link to: Parricide in Australia: Findings from the National Homicide Monitoring Program

The Australian Institute of Criminology has released a report from the National Homicide Monitoring Program on parricide (the homicide of a parent). Data from this report show that:

• There were 429 incidents of parricide in Australia over a 35-year period from 1989–90, comprising five percent of all homicide incidents and 12 percent of domestic homicide incidents.
• Male and female victimisation from parricide was relatively even (54% (n=246) vs 46% (n=212)) but mothers tended be older than fathers at the time of the homicide. Almost half of mothers were aged 55 to 74 years (47%, n=99) compared with half of fathers aged 45–64 years (54%, n=133).
• Offender age was associated with the gender of the parent killed—younger sons and daughters were more likely to have killed their father and older sons and daughters to have killed their mother.
• Almost one in five offenders (16%, n=67) were ‘apparently delusional’ when they committed the parricide.

Read the AIC media release.

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AIC research examines restorative justice for domestic, family and sexual violence

Link to: Victim-survivors’ reflections on best practice in restorative justice for domestic, family and sexual violence

The Australian Institute of Criminology has released new research examining the perspectives of victim-survivors on best practice in restorative justice for family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV).

• The research draws on surveys and in-depth interviews with 13 victim-survivors who participated in restorative justice for an FDSV matter.
• Victim-survivors identified Convenors’ skills and expertise, flexible and victim-centred processes, intensive and risk-informed preparation, and close ongoing collaboration with external professional supports as critical to the success of restorative justice in this context.
• These best practices are consistent with those identified by practitioners and other stakeholders, and further emphasise the critical role of Convenors in restorative justice for FDSV, as well as the need for tailored approaches and specialist support.