Intrafamilial and Extrafamilial Child Homicide in Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Child homicide is a serious crime, but there is limited local knowledge on its associated factors. Hence, this study aims to describe the profiles of the suspected perpetrators and victims of child homicide and determine the possible associated factors for child homicide in Malaysia. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective secondary analysis of child homicide recorded by the police force in Malaysia. Binary logistic regressions were used to determine the associated factors for child homicide in this country. Results: Of the total 332 cases of child homicide, 294 available data on suspected perpetrators, their demography and victims were analysed. Female victim significantly contributes to a lesser risk for intrafamilial child homicide cases (p=0.551;AOR=0.55;95%CI=0.307;0.988). Young age groups of victims (1 year and below and newborn) increase odds of intrafamilial child homicide. Infanticide is about four times the odds to occur compared to neonaticide (p=0.007;AOR=3.97, 95%CI=1.452;10.857). Chinese ethnicity is less likely to commit intrafamilial child homicide (p=0.043; AOR=0.26;95%CI=0.073;0.959). The analyses indicate that the saddle-shape pattern of age groups of the suspected perpetrators (20 years and below and 41 years and above) is a significant trend of perpetrators for intrafamilial child homicide. Suspected perpetrators aged 41 years and above are four times odds to commit intrafamilial homicide compared to those aged 20 years and below (p=0.006;AOR=4.42;95%CI=1.536;12.700). Conclusion: The findings may assist in providing information for the intervention strategies to eradicate child homicide via effective risk management practices. However, more research is required to ascertain the associated factors for child homicide in Malaysia.