Degree
Master of Arts
Program
Psychology
Supervisor
Dr. Peter Jaffe
Abstract
Domestic homicide, the killing of an individual by their current or former intimate partner, is a tragic and pervasive event. Research supports the finding that a history of domestic violence within a relationship acts as a strong predictor of domestic homicide (DH) and domestic homicide-suicide (DHS). At present, there is limited research that examines patterns in risk factors used to distinguish perpetrators of domestic homicide from domestic homicide-suicide. The present study aims to differentiate perpetrators of domestic homicide and domestic homicide-suicide according to prevalent risk factors and case characteristics. In this paper, case reports were examined from the Domestic Homicide Death Review Committee database that has been developed in collaboration with the Coroner’s Office in Ontario. A multivariate analysis using demographic information and identified risk factors within the cases was conducted in order to explore key differences between the perpetrators. The study supports the development of more refined risk assessment and risk management strategies in order to prevent deaths in similar circumstances from occurring in the future.
Recommended Citation
Heron, Chelsea A., "Exploring the Differences Between Domestic Homicide and Homicide-Suicide: Implications for Risk Assessment and Safety Planning" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4473.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4473