NCJ Number
181841
Journal
European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: 1998 Pages: 75-90
Date Published
1998
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study investigates all 76 cases of the killing of women by their intimate male partners in Israel during the years 1990-1995.
Abstract
The analysis focused on temporal patterns, the representation of various population groups and given motives. Following the Persian Gulf War (in 1991), during which families were enclosed for lengthy periods in sealed rooms, there was a sharp increase in intimate femicide. On the other hand, enactment of the Law for the Prevention of Family Violence in 1991 was followed by a sharp (though temporary) decrease in intimate femicide in 1992. New immigrants from the Soviet Union, and even more so from Ethiopia, were overrepresented among intimate femicide offenders. In most cases more than one motive was given, with “possessiveness” being mentioned in the majority of cases, usually in conjunction with other motives (such as argument/conflict between the parties, mental, drinking, or drug problems of the offender). The article discusses findings within the framework of a stress-support theoretical model, which postulates that violence in society will be positively related to stress factors and negatively related to support systems. Tables, notes, figures, references