Filicide

Filicide is a parent’s (or parent equivalent) intentional killing of his or her own child. This term is based on the Latin words “filius” which means son, “filia” which means “daughter”, and “-cide” which means “murder” or “kill”. The general reasons why this was committed include spousal revenge, child maltreatment, psychosis, unwanted newborns, and the perception that the child will stop suffering if his or her life would end. The triggers include mental illnesses, drug use, domestic violence history, suicidal tendencies, and marital conflicts.