Maternal filicide

Abstract

Maternal filicide, the murder of a child by his or her mother, is a multidimensional phenomenon with various characteristics, motivations, and patterns. It transcends geographic boundaries, occurring in every country and culture (Friedman, Horwitz, & Resnick, 2005). And, although maternal filicide has been discussed in the medical, mental health, and child abuse fields, little research exists with a criminal justice or law enforcement perspective.