Homicide-suicide in Victoria, Australia

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 1997 Dec;18(4):369-73. doi: 10.1097/00000433-199712000-00011.

Abstract

Thirty-nine incidents of homicide-suicide occurring in Victoria, Australia between 1985 and 1989 were examined. In 33 cases the assailants were men. The victims were spouses or women living in a de facto marriage. The majority of the victims were shot, and this was also the most frequent method of suicide. Breakdown in a relationship was the most frequent reason for killing. Mental illness of the assailant accounted for the killing in approximately 20% of cases. Physical ill health and financial stress were identified as important associative factors, particularly in the elderly. The pattern of homicide-suicide in Victoria is similar to that observed in other jurisdictions and represents an important and distinct subgroup of homicide.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Financial Management
  • Health Status
  • Homicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / complications
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Factors
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Victoria / epidemiology