Homicide of children in Germany – Results of a national study

• In Event: International Trends and Patterns in Filicide

Abstract

This presentation shows results of a study which aimed to examine all cases registered as child homicide committed on children under 6 years of age in police statistics in Germany between 1997 and 2006. The study was based on the analysis of the criminal court files, which contain information from the first information of the police to the final ruling of the court. The database encloses information on 507 cases with 535 victims and 354 offenders. We developed seven categories of cases: neonaticide, maltreatment, neglect, homicide during acute and severe mental illness, extended suicide, purposeful homicide and other. Data on both offenders and victims will be presented as well as information about the circumstances of the offenses and sentencing.

Authors

• Theresia Hoynck, University of Kassel

• Ulrike Zahringer, Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony