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Abstract
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Introduction and objectives
Paternal filicide is the killing of a child by his or her father. These offences are rare but when happened they are traumatic to the community and people. Most of published studies focused on child homicide in Westernized developed societies. The aim of this study is to shed light on this rare phenomenon in Kuwait.
Methodology
The psychiatric, socio-demographic profiles and the religious background of 5 filicidal men hospitalized at Kuwait Psychological Medicine Hospital forensic unit between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed. Information was obtained from a number of sources including:
1- hospital files
2- Police reports,
3-newspaper reports.
Data including psychiatric, psychological as well as criminological assessment of these cases were analyzed in detail.
Results
The average age of those men was 35.6 years (SD ± 4.3 years) with a range of 30 to 42 years. Two men have been diagnosed as schizophrenia; one substance related psychotic disorder (they have active psychotic symptoms at the time of offence and committed their offence under these symptoms), another one depression, and the fifth one has no psychiatric disorder. Religious beliefs and conventions colored the offence in two incidents. Eight of the victims (total number 10) were girls. One filicide man killed his spouse during the act.
Conclusions
Paternal filicide, while unthinkable crime by most people, is seen in developing as well as in developed societies. The impact of cultural and religious background of the filicidal on the act was discussed. |