The Co-occurrence of Risk Factors for Intra-familial Child Homicides and Suspicious Child Deaths in England and Wales.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the co-occurrence of known risk indicators for intra-familial child death, to identify any themes which may exist. Data consisted of 100 child intra-familial deaths recorded by Police forces in England and Wales from 2006-2012. Categorical principal component analysis was used to assess relationships between 10 risk factors for intra-familial child death, resulting in the creation of four risk conditions, representing themes drawn from the literature, ‘abusive and unstable co-parenting’, ‘multiple parent stressors’, ‘parental social issues’ and ‘neglectful parenting’. Implications for police practice and risk management strategies are discussed.