By Samantha Bricknell and Hannah Miles

This study examines the characteristics of parricide in Australia using 35 years of data from the National Homicide Monitoring Program. Findings illustrate the distinctiveness of parricide and the greater need to consider this form of lethal violence in responses to family violence.Key findingsParricide, or the homicide of a parent by their child, comprises 5% of homicides each year.Almost all parricides were of a single parent, although the homicide of both parents was more common in Australia than in other countries where estimates exist.Offenders were predominantly male but victimisation was more even.Parricide was largely gendered, with sons more likely to kill their fathers and daughters to kill their mothers.Offenders aged 10–17 years committed parricide at higher rates than older homicide offenders and almost a fifth of parricide offenders were delusional at the time of the homicide.

Statistical Bulletin 48. Canberra, Australian Institute of Criminology, 2025. 20p.

By Sally Crosland, Calli Tzani & Maria Ioannou

When considering intimate partner homicide (IPH), there is a comparative lack of recent research focusing on the specific stereotypes relating to female perpetrators, although recent findings suggest that there is a marked gender difference in instances of IPH perpetration. The current systematic review explored stereotyping of female IPH defendants between 2003 and 2023. Findings suggest stereotypes regarding female IPH perpetrators have a marked effect across several areas. Existence and extent of courtroom and media stereotyping are identified, and factors influencing jury verdicts are considered. Research limitations, implications of findings and directions for further research are specified.

Deviant Behavior, May 2025.