Partner femicide with or without subsequent suicide: A comparative analysis

Abstract

There are differential characteristics between partner femicide with or without subsequent suicide of the aggressor. However, there are few comparative studies in Spain between these two groups. In this research, the differences between partner femicide with suicide (F-S) and without suicide (femicide only, F-O) were studied in individual, relational, contextual and criminodynamic variables. A total of 130 partner femicides were analyzed (40 F-S vs. 90 F-O).. The results showed that F-S perpetrators were older, with more suicidal tendencies, whereas that F-O perpetrators had more ex-partners, economic conflicts, and criminal histories. Additionally, F-O victims often had children from other partners and recent job loss. Firearms access was the strongest predictor for F-S cases, while F-O cases were associated with ex-partners and economic conflicts. Future research should be focused on effective prevention strategies for intimate femicide and intimate partner violence.