Fathers and murders: a retrospective study of paternal filicide in Italy

Introduction: An amount of literature has heavily focused on homicidal mothers. Nevertheless, little is known about paternal filicides due to the lower frequency of these events. This study aimed to identify the spatiotemporal coordinates, authors' and victims' characteristics, and the context in which these murders occur to identify specific patterns. Methods: We analyzed 76 events in Italy between 1996 and 2012 involving 134 victims. The data were collected through a careful and thorough review of the daily press and encoded on an Excel ® sheet specially designed for data collection. Results: Findings show a significant incidence of psychiatric disorders, a history of violent behavior, employment problems, and low-skilled professional roles. In particular, violence seems to be determined by the fear of loss, which is more common among the common law partner and among the youngest male, especially when the son is far. Conclusion: The in-depth analysis of the phenomenon may contribute to its best knowledge and identify the areas in which psychosocial intervention is required based on prevention best practices. Take-home message: This study's exploration of paternal filicide in Italy between 1996 and 2012 reveals critical factors like psychiatric disorders, history of violence, employment issues, and specific social dynamics, emphasizing the need for targeted psychosocial interventions and prevention strategies.