NCJ Number
131723
Journal
Justitiele verkenningen Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: special issue (January/February 1991) Pages: 35-58
Date Published
1991
Length
24 pages
Annotation
A forensic psychiatric study of 124 cases of spouse killing between 1950-1980 in the Netherlands was conducted with particular focus on the psychodynamic causative factors.
Abstract
Spouse killers differ from perpetrators of anonymous crimes of violence in several ways. The spouse killer is older and has a less serious criminal record than other murderers; they react favorably to psychiatric treatment. Particular attention is focused on the pre-spouse killing syndrome in which the partners exist in symbiotic isolation relationship characterized by narcisstic features. Each partner has a fixed role. Because separation is unbearable for the dependent partner, violence can erupt upon introduction of a third person and the subsequent disturbance of the unstable balance. Professionals who deal with potential spouse killers (family doctor, police, or public prosecutor) are advised to maintain a more active attitude. 5 notes and 14 references (Author abstract modified)