The Caregiver-Perpetrated Homicide Typology is an evidence-based system for categorising homicides and homicide-suicides perpetrated by caregivers (also known as unpaid carers, informal carers, family carers, or family caregivers).

There are seven types of caregiver-perpetrated homicide, each driven by a different motive, context, or course of events.

1. Ending Suffering
2. Genuine Burden of Care
3. Pre-Existing Mental Illness
4. Neglect
5. Caregiver as Victim of Domestic Violence, Abuse or Coercive Control
6. Caregiver as Perpetrator of Domestic Violence, Abuse or Coercive Control
7. Exploitation

The typology can be used by health and social care professionals as a framework for predicting and preventing deaths. It can also be used by researchers to focus their studies, by journalists as a guide for more nuanced reporting, and by the criminal justice system in determining charges and sentencing.

You can read the full report on the Caregiver-Perpetrated Homicide Typology here. For more information about using the typology in policy and practice, please contact Dr O’Dwyer.