Psychiatric aspects of homicide

Homicide is the killing of one human being by another.

A disproportionate number of perpetrators have had contact with mental health services or received a diagnosis of mental disorder. Many psychiatrists have experience of patients and carers who have been indirect victims of or involved in a homicide. Psychiatrists are also frequently involved in the assessment and management of perpetrators at various stages in the criminal justice system.

This module will help psychiatrists understand:

• the relationship between mental disorders and homicide

• pathways through the criminal justice system

• psychological consequences for perpetrators and indirect victims

• the implications for risk assessment and management.

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