Homicide-suicides in Fiji: offense patterns, situational factors, and sociocultural contexts

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2003 Spring;33(1):65-73. doi: 10.1521/suli.33.1.65.22791.

Abstract

Although there is growing literature on lethal violence in developing nations, homicide-suicides have rarely been studied. Addressing this issue, this paper analyzes all homicide-suicides that occurred in Fiji between 1982 and 1992. The study's results are consistent with prior research in Western developed nations, demonstrating that homicide-suicides constitute a minuscule proportion of all homicides, occur primarily between intimate relations, are precipitated by intrafamilial discord, and occur in the domestic setting. Contrary to prior research, however, perpetrators of homicide-suicide were equally divided between men and women and no firearms were utilized.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Culture*
  • Female
  • Fiji / epidemiology
  • Homicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Life Change Events*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Social Environment*
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*