Homicide-suicide in the Netherlands: A study of newspaper reports, 1992 – 2005

Abstract

Background: Homicides followed by the suicide of the perpetrator are a rare yet very serious form of interpersonal violence which occurs mainly in partnerships and families. It typically leads to widespread public interest and unease. No systematic research on homicide-suicide has ever been conducted in the Netherlands. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the nature and incidence of homicide-suicide in the Netherlands in the period 1992 – 2005, using cases reported in both national and regional newspapers. Results: On the basis of newspaper accounts, homicide-suicide occurred on average seven times per year during this time period. Spousal/consortial homicide-suicide was predominant, followed by homicide-suicide involving the perpetrator's own children and familicide-suicide. The perpetrators across all categories of homicide-suicide were predominantly male; the victims were predominantly women and children. Firearms were used in the majority of the homicides and subsequent suicides. Conclusion: The domestic nature of homicide-suicide events is discussed. Future research should aim to incorporate multiple methods in order to assess accurately the epidemiology of homicide-suicide in the Netherlands.