Differences between Male and Female Perpetrators of Homicides

Abstract

Homicide is a criminal act of one human killing the other, and the law determines its definition and punishment for such actions. This study examined the differences between male and female homicide offenders in Slovenia from 1991 to 2015. The data were obtained retrospectively by analysing all cases of homicide with summaries of judicial experts` reports, perpetrators` demographic data, and trial outcomes. A total of 56 men and 42 women were included. We examined psychosocial and clinical background, the situational context of homicide, and trial outcome. The results showed that most women and men were Slovenians who rarely continued their education after high school, and almost half of the perpetrators were under the influence of alcohol at the time the homicide was committed. Men were often previously punished for an offence and most likely killed a friend or an acquaintance. On the other hand, women were exposed to violence by their victims, who were primarily intimate partners. There have also been differences regarding mental disorders, with women most often diagnosed with schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses, and men with personality disorders. In most cases, both women and men received a prison sentence, with men incarcerated at a higher percentage. These differences could indicate that specific actions should be taken to prevent homicide in the future.