Lovers and killers: A forensic medical study of female intimate partner homicide in the Republic of Ireland

Abstract

Female intimate partner homicide (FIPH) is an increasingly complex and significant issue globally. It is rapidly becoming a politically heavy subject for the Irish government, and a continuing and concerning problem for the criminal justice system. Recent years have seen a substantial increase in the unlawful killings of women by their husbands, current and ex-partners. In a review of 117 cases of FIPHs over a 30-year period, 1991–2021, examining the age of both victims and perpetrators, causes of death, motives behind the killings and the outcome of the cases, it was possible to build up a picture of FIPHs in Ireland with distinct patterns emerging regarding cause of death, age, and motives. Within this review 25 (21%) homicide-suicide cases were analysed. These were mostly in rural areas and the main cause of death was gunshot injuries; this unfortunately is reflecting a worrying trend within rural communities.