The Triple-Edged Sword - Vicarious Violence in Femicide Cases in Poland and Spain. Case Study Results

• In Event: International Perspectives on the Social Context and Determinants of Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

Intimate-partner femicides are not only the perpetrator-victim issue. As the study conducted within the project „Femicide in Poland” (www.femicideinpoland.pl) shows the femicidal violence affects more than these two actors. It goes far beyond this double perspective. Femicidal violence can also consume the lives of the other family members, including children, close relatives or even domestic animals. In this context the femicidal sword has more than two edges. Perpetrator harms or kills „the vicarious victims” in order to cause more pain to the final victim that observes the death of her loved ones. Polish and spanish femicide cases review (2017-2023) indicates that vicarious violence – the concept introduced by Sonia Vaccero - plays a crucial role in understanding intimate-partner femicides and should be applied in criminal investigation and prosecution. We will analyse the examples of vicarious violence that preceded femicide perpetration. The analysis will include the investigated cases from Poland and Spain. The author will also review the provisions of the latest EU Directive 2024/1385 on combating violence against women and domestic violence - the changes and obligations it imposes on states related to femicide and vicarious violence prevention in Europe.

Author

• Alicja Serafin, Alicja Serafin University of Warsaw, Femicide in Poland Project