FoMo411

The parent/child relationship is usually one in which the child treats the parent with respect. However, it doesn’t always work out that way. Kids might complain about their parents, be ungrateful, or even alienate themselves from a parent. Sometimes a child actually commits parricide.

Past research claimed most parricides were the result of horrible abuse perpetrated upon the child. However, those studies use very small numbers of youthful offenders: the original researcher only looked at seven subjects. Recent research (examining 754 incidences of parricide) provides new insights to this phenomena. The truth of the matter is this: approximately 15% of parricides are the result of parental child abuse. An additional 13% of the children allege abuse that can’t be substantiated. This means that almost 66% of all children who murder their parents are not abused and do not claim abuse occurred prior to the murders. Additionally, less than 20% of kids who permit parricide will claim abuse had ever occurred.

How could the original researchers get it so wrong? In the past, it was difficult to obtain data on children who had murdered their parents. Once laws and the media allowed better access to these offenders, no one remembered to take a look and confirm what the original researcher had found. Until now.

Please visit the Parricide Prevention Institute to learn the most current information and to read current research.