NCJ Number
102185
Journal
Medicine Science and the Law Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1986) Pages: 185-192
Date Published
1986
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A retrospective study of all mothers charged with killing or attempted killing of their biological children during the period 1971 to May 1985 in Hong Kong found marked similarities and few differences when compared to Western research studies.
Abstract
Based on complete case records, 35 maternal filicides were categorized as battering, mentally ill, neonaticide, unwanted child, retaliating, and mercy killing. The most common age group of mothers was 25 to 29 years, and most were married. Apart from one Thai and one Filipino woman, all were Chinese. Mentally ill mothers constituted the largest group, and they were beset by social and mental problems. The next most common group were battering mothers who had similar violent family backgrounds and numerous other social stresses. The most dangerous period for the victims appeared to be the first 6 months of life. Methods of assault were similar to those found in the West, but throwing the victim out of a high-rise building was also a common method in Hong Kong. As in the West, courts generally were lenient towards offenders. Tables and 18 references. (Author abstract modified)