CSSLRV researchers Anna Johnson and Myrna Dawson released research this month in Child Abuse Review that compares characteristics of child homicide by degree of intimacy between the victim and perpetrator. This research focused on 533 child homicide cases that occurred in Ontario between 1985 and 2012. It compared intrafamilial and extrafamilial cases, biological and step/foster parents, and maternal and paternal perpetrators. Results show support for developmental victimology and routine activities theories and demonstrate differences in perpetrator and victim age, weapon use, suicide following the offence, sexual violence and use of excessive force by degree of intimacy. Policy implications and directions for future research are discussed including the need for interagency collaboration. The research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canada Research Chairs Program.
