The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification model
IntroductionMaternal filicide, the murder of a child by a mother, is a complex phenomenon. Relatively little is known of filicide on the African continent, especially in eSwatini. This study highlights the complex dynamics at play when these crimes are committed.MethodsThis retrospective study explo...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2024-10-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1456514/full |
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| author | Sifiso Shabangu Melanie Moen |
| author_facet | Sifiso Shabangu Melanie Moen |
| author_sort | Sifiso Shabangu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionMaternal filicide, the murder of a child by a mother, is a complex phenomenon. Relatively little is known of filicide on the African continent, especially in eSwatini. This study highlights the complex dynamics at play when these crimes are committed.MethodsThis retrospective study explored offense characteristics of maternal filicide cases in eSwatini from 2005 to January 2024. Thirty-one cases were identified through court documents and news reports. Content analysis was conducted on these cases.ResultsThe study revealed that socio-cultural factors such as the role of a woman in society and traditional beliefs contributed to these crimes. Poverty and contextual challenges also contributed to the systemic reasons for these murders. Relationship challenges featured prominently. A unique finding in this study was the use of poison by biological mothers in all the filicide-suicide attempts.DiscussionWe argue for the inclusion of an additional socio-cultural category to Resnick’s classification model. Ultimately, there is a need for further exploration of filicide in eSwatini and other contexts. This would aid in identifying risk factors in pregnant mothers, in young mothers, among couples, and within socio-cultural practices. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9f55df72088c47fdb7e12a518ac26d14 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1664-1078 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-10-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-9f55df72088c47fdb7e12a518ac26d142025-08-20T01:54:16ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782024-10-011510.3389/fpsyg.2024.14565141456514The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification modelSifiso ShabanguMelanie MoenIntroductionMaternal filicide, the murder of a child by a mother, is a complex phenomenon. Relatively little is known of filicide on the African continent, especially in eSwatini. This study highlights the complex dynamics at play when these crimes are committed.MethodsThis retrospective study explored offense characteristics of maternal filicide cases in eSwatini from 2005 to January 2024. Thirty-one cases were identified through court documents and news reports. Content analysis was conducted on these cases.ResultsThe study revealed that socio-cultural factors such as the role of a woman in society and traditional beliefs contributed to these crimes. Poverty and contextual challenges also contributed to the systemic reasons for these murders. Relationship challenges featured prominently. A unique finding in this study was the use of poison by biological mothers in all the filicide-suicide attempts.DiscussionWe argue for the inclusion of an additional socio-cultural category to Resnick’s classification model. Ultimately, there is a need for further exploration of filicide in eSwatini and other contexts. This would aid in identifying risk factors in pregnant mothers, in young mothers, among couples, and within socio-cultural practices.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1456514/fulleSwatinimaternal filicideResnick modelsocio-cultural motivationretrospective study |
| spellingShingle | Sifiso Shabangu Melanie Moen The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification model Frontiers in Psychology eSwatini maternal filicide Resnick model socio-cultural motivation retrospective study |
| title | The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification model |
| title_full | The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification model |
| title_fullStr | The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification model |
| title_full_unstemmed | The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification model |
| title_short | The offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eSwatini: adding to Resnick’s classification model |
| title_sort | offense characteristics of maternal filicides in eswatini adding to resnick s classification model |
| topic | eSwatini maternal filicide Resnick model socio-cultural motivation retrospective study |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1456514/full |
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