A Study Of Public and Professional Understanding of Child Homicide

PURPOSE: This study’s overarching aim was to explore public and professional understanding of child homicide, and its pre- and post-offence characteristics. Previous findings of child homicide studies have been challenged in this dissertation,
such as for example: the public misconceptions of crime numbers and trends, parents as the most common perpetrators in child homicide offences, children under one as the age category in highest risk of homicide victimisation. In addition, a role of
child homicide investigator and the challenges and pressures associated with the role, were explored throughout the study.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Dissertation consists of two studies. First one is conducted in a quantitative approach with the help of online questionnaires filled by 264 participants. The data is analysed using SPSS. Second study uses qualitative approach and four semi-structured interviews are conducted with police homicide investigators. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the interviews.
FINDINGS: The findings present a clearer picture of perceptions and opinions regarding the offence of child homicide and its pre- and post-offence characteristics In addition, the role of child homicide investigator is explored in greater detail,
emphasising on the challenges and pressures faced throughout the investigations of child deaths.