A retrospective record review of perpetrators of intimate partner homicide referred for forensic psychiatric observation to Sterkfontein hospital

Abstract

Intimate partner homicide (IPH) is a global public health problem. This study evaluated the profile and outcomes of accused persons referred for psychiatric observation for a charge of IPH i.e. murder or attempted murder of their intimate partners. A retrospective study of 163 files was conducted at Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital over a nineteen-year period. A total of 88% of the sample were found fit to stand trial and 82% were found criminally responsible. Gender, the level of education completed, employment status, salary, previous psychiatric illness, medical illness, forensic history, history of domestic violence perpetration, motive and the presence of a psychiatric illness at the time of the offence were variables found to significantly influence fitness and responsibility. The characteristics highlighted in this study can contribute to the development of risk assessment tools which can be used to identify likely perpetrators of IPH. Other interventions such as controlling access to firearms, reducing substance abuse, and improving mental health services should all be addressed in order to reduce the incidence of IPH.