Focus on children murdered by parents in Italy: A sad reality

With a documented history of over a century, it is noted that child murders, perpetrated by their own parents, are an interesting and dramatic phenomenon in the Italian territory. There are three forms of child homicides: neonaticide, infanticide and filicide. Thanks to several legal reports and studies, it is possible to draw the profile of the typical murderer: usually a young, Northern Italian woman, unemployed, in a conflicting relationship and suffering from psychiatric disorders. In most cases, the crime takes place at home. No particular method for committing the murder is preferred, but the death of the child can be due to different causes. Precautionary measures should be taken: parents should never be left alone facing health or psychiat-ric problems, families should be helped and supported during difficult times, women should be well-informed and aware of their rights.