study of juvenile perpetrators of homicide

A population-based study of juvenile perpetrators of homicide in England and Wales

Cathryn Rodway ^, , Victoria Norrington-Moore¹, David While, Isabelle M. Hunt, Sandra Flynn, Nicola Swinson, Alison Roscoe, Louis Appleby, Jenny Shaw

Purchase

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, Centre for Suicide Prevention, Floor 2, Jean McFarlane Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK

Available online 10 April 2010.

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the social, behavioural and offence characteristics of all convicted perpetrators of homicide aged 17 and under; to examine their previous contact with mental health services, and to discuss strategies for homicide prevention. An eight-year (1996–2004) sample of 363 juvenile homicide perpetrators in England and Wales was examined. The majority of perpetrators were male, used a sharp instrument, and most victims were acquaintances or strangers. Over half had previously offended. A history of alcohol and/or drug misuse was common, as was the prevalence of family dysfunction, abuse, educational difficulties or discipline problems. Previous contact with mental health services was rare. Earlier intervention targeting social and psychological adversity and substance misuse could help to reduce the level of risk for future violence, and may reduce homicide rates among juveniles. Strengthening engagement with young offenders and increasing resources to prevent recidivism may also be beneficial.

Keywords: Homicide; Juveniles; Mental illness; Youth; Violence

Article Outline

• Introduction
• Method
• • Participants
  • • Total homicide sample
    • Psychiatric reports
    • Collection of clinical data
  • Measures
  • Study design: data completeness
  • Data analysis
• Results
• • All homicides
  • • Offence characteristics: victims and methods
    • Perpetrator subgroups
    • • Gender
      • Age
    • Forensic history
    • Verdict and disposal
  • Juvenile perpetrators with psychiatric reports
  • • Alcohol and drug misuse
    • Mental disorder
    • Contact with mental health services
    • Family background and parenting
    • Developmental and educational history
• Discussion
• • Weapon availability
  • Substance misuse
  • Educational needs
  • Intervention strategies
  • • Mental health assessment
    • Multi-agency interventions
  • Limitations
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgements
• Funding source
• Declaration of interest
• References

Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 161 2750707; fax: +44 161 2750712.

¹Present address: Guild Lodge, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Guild Park, Whittingham, Preston, Lancashire PR3 2JH, UK.