Analysis of Causes and Characteristics of Post-Abuse MURDER Cases of Children in KOREA

Abstract

A recent series of shocking child abuse and murder cases has inspired the society to shed new light onto children's issues and welfare. After it was revealed that most of the perpetrators in those cases were the biological parents and stepparents of children, the society went into shock. Post-abuse murder cases of children are clearly distinguished from other murder cases in terms of motives and forms and have tremendous influences on the society. Therefore, In the wake of recent cases of parents abusing and then killing their children, this study set out to analyze the causes and characteristics of major post-abuse murder cases of children in 2016 and search for preventive measures. The causes of post-abuse murder cases of children were as follows: First, the study considered the causes of post-abuse murder cases of children with a focus on the characteristics of parents from a psychological perspective. The emotional, psychological, and personality characteristics of abusive parents are part of the major causes. Secondly, the causes come from the economic hardship of families from the perspective of social environment. The unstable economic situations of families cause conflicts among the family members and even lead to murder cases. The case analysis results were as follows: first, many of abused children were seven years old or younger. When younger children were subjected to ongoing serious physical abuse, they might be killed, not enduring it. Secondly, most perpetrators of child abuse and murder cases were their biological parents. Finally, the causes of post-abuse murder of children include psychological issues such as depression, lack of parenting abilities, conflicts with their spouses, and economic difficulties. Some parents were addicted to games and abused and neglected their children. Based on the case analysis results, the study proposed the followings to prevent child abuse and murder: first, there is a need to develop effective programs to separate children from their parents when child abuse is suspected, provide perpetrators with education, and treat victim children. It is also needed to secure professionals for such programs. Secondly, it is critical to offer low-income parents supports and aids and also education and training about parenting methods. Finally, it is the most important to establish a social atmosphere of respecting and loving children so that various measures can achieve their effectiveness.