Characteristics and causes of infanticide in Britain

Abstract

In Britain, infanticide is a significant contributor to infant mortality. It may also be an extreme indicator of more widespread but unrecognized infant abuse. Using data from epidemiological studies, this paper describes demographic features of parents who kill their infants, and characteristics of their victims. The extent to which infant homicides can be attributed to mental illness and/or social problems is discussed. Evidence is presented which suggests that another underlying causative factor is probably implicated, namely a relationship pattern which is predominantly disorganized and violent, and which is transmitted from generation to generation. There is need for further systematic and qualitative research into the precursors and circumstances surrounding the homicide of infants so that appropriate preventative strategies can be developed