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.