They are shocking acts of violence that confuse and disturb the general
public. And because of their relative rarity, cases of mothers killing
their children also puzzle professionals in law enforcement and
psychology on issues of causation and punishment, treatment and
rehabilitation.
Bringing mental health and criminal justice perspectives together,
Behavioral Analysis of Maternal Filicide examines these complex crimes
in the context of what is known about women and violence, and of
society's expectations of women. This concise reference reviews
psychological, behavioral, and societal dynamics of motherhood,
correcting the simplistic "mad mother"/"bad mother" constructs that lead
to inconsistent treatment in judicial settings. Findings based on
psychiatric and forensic studies identify social and family risk factors
for maternal filicide as well as factors that may change as children
develop. Additionally, the discussion section offers implications for
professionals in legal and mental health disciplines for putting this
knowledge to practical use. Featured in this volume:
- Theories of general violence and female violence.
- The mother/child dynamic: attachment styles and child development.
- The "insanity" of reproduction: literature review on postpartum
disorders.
- Personality disorders and their relationship to violence.
- Results of a detailed FBI study of maternal filicide cases, with legal
outcomes.
- Considerations for the criminal justice system and the mental health
community.
Illuminating a hidden area of domestic abuse, Behavioral Analysis of
Maternal Filicide is an essential resource for law enforcement and
mental health professionals dealing with female violence, the
mother-child dynamic, and mental disorders, and particularly those
addressing, investigating, and prosecuting maternal filicide offenders.
