Exploration of the lived experiences of perpetrators and co-victims of relational homicide

Abstract

AIMS: This research aimed to develop understanding of the lived experiences of individuals bereaved by relational homicide, including both co-victims and perpetrators. In line with this, a systematic review of qualitative research aimed to explore bereavement following Intrafamilial homicide (IFH), and an empirical study aimed to answer the following question: how is grief experienced by men who have killed a loved one while experiencing mental health difficulties?

METHODS: A systematic review identified and appraised the quality of 15 qualitative studies. Quality appraisal was carried out using a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist, and thematic synthesis was used to identify themes. A qualitative empirical study was also conducted to explore the experiences of individuals who have killed a loved one while experiencing mental health difficulties. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed to analyse participants lived experiences.

RESULTS: The thematic analysis identified three main themes: (1) Enduring psychological and relational trauma, (2) Institutional neglect and epistemic injustice; and (3) Marginalisation and Social Death. For the empirical project, interviews were conducted and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, which generated one overarching theme, Unrelenting Loss. Within this, three superordinate themes were identified: (1) Reconstructing my Divided Identity, (2) Navigating Grief Under Restrictions, and (3) Living in the Aftermath of the Homicide. The findings of this study highlight the complicated, and often disenfranchised, grief experiences of this population.

CONCLUSION: Bereavement following relational homicide is a socially isolating and identity-altering experience.

While the emotional impact of the event persists across individuals’ lives, current mental health, criminal justice, and social service systems often lack the resources and flexibility needed to adequately support both co-victims and perpetrators.