The Relevance of Long-Term Antecedents in Assessing the Risk of Familicide-Suicide Following Separation

Familicide-suicide following separation is under-researched and remains a poorly understood phenomenon. Findings from previous research are inconclusive in relation to both risk factors and perpetrator motivation. This article explores the relevance of long-term biopsychosocial antecedents in cases of familicide-suicide that occurred in Western Australia between 1986 and 2005. A conceptualisation of the hypothesised risk factors in familicide-suicide is proposed based on attachment theory, personality dysfunction, the neurobiology of trauma and the possible unconscious motivation of perpetrators, which may prove helpful in assessing the risk of familicide-suicide in family court cases. The research identified and articulated a number of warning signs to familicide-suicide that are often not identified, or appreciated, by decision makers. Suggestions are offered for changes to practice that may be helpful in identifying and responding to high-risk cases in a way that enhances safety. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. <boxed-text content-type="pullQuote" id="car2317-blk-0001" position="float"> A conceptualisation of the hypothesised risk factors in familicide-suicide is proposed' Clinicians need to be aware of the dynamic psychosocial risk factors associated with violent acting out such as: <list list-type="bulleted"> <list-item id="car2317-li-0021">The combination of Cluster B personality diagnoses. <list-item id="car2317-li-0022">A history of domestic violence. <list-item id="car2317-li-0023">Early childhood trauma requires good interagency communication and cooperation. Key Practitioner Messages