Filicide Involving Mothers—An Analysis of Case Reviews in England and Scotland 2016–2020

ABSTRACT

This article uses a literature review of maternal filicide by the author [Davies, A. (2022). Mothers who kill their children: Literature review and reflections for social work practice. Practice: Social Work in Action. https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2022.2090535] as a framework to undertake a content analysis of 39 Case Reviews of filicide involving mothers found in the NSPCC repository between 2016 and 2020. The research aims to establish which categories of filicide involving mothers were evident and what associated factors were present in the Case Reviews, in order to establish what might be learned for practice, policy and further research with children and families. The Case Reviews were also subject to a thematic analysis to identify any other associated factors. The methodology and limitations of the study are explained first. The data is then analysed and discussed, followed by a conclusion about the themes found. This article seeks to add to the existing research in this area of Social Work practice and to support learning for all professionals working with children and families.

KEYWORDS:

• Maternal filicide
• children and families social work
• risk assessment
• child homicide
• parental risk factors

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Andrew Davies

Andrew Davies is a qualified Social Worker. He is currently employed by Frontline as a Practice Tutor. This research was undertaken as an independent researcher. Email: [email protected]