Filicide

Filicide is the deliberate act of a parent killing their own child. The word filicide is derived from the Latin words filia meaning "daughter" or filius meaning "son", and the suffix -cide meaning to kill, murder, or cause death. The word can refer both to the crime and to the perpetrator of the crime.

Types of Filicide

Filicide can occur in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons. The following are some of the most common types:

• Neonaticide: This refers to the killing of a child within 24 hours of its birth.
• Infanticide: This is the killing of an infant from birth to 12 months.
• Prolicide: This is the killing of one's offspring, regardless of their age.

Causes and Motivations

The motivations behind filicide can be complex and varied. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Altruistic Filicide: The parent kills the child out of a belief that death is in the child's best interest.
• Acutely Psychotic Filicide: The parent, responding to hallucinations or delusions, kills the child with no other rational motive.
• Fatal Maltreatment Filicide: The child's death is an unintended result of abuse or neglect.
• Unwanted Child Filicide: The parent kills the child who they perceive as a hindrance.
• Spousal Revenge Filicide: The parent kills the child as a way to make the other parent suffer.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of filicide involves a combination of societal and individual interventions. These may include mental health services, social services, and legal interventions. Treatment for those who have committed filicide is complex and often involves a combination of psychiatric treatment, psychotherapy, and medication.

See Also

• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Parental alienation
• Parental narcissism

References

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