Homicide in Italy

In this chapter, the epidemiology of homicide in Italy is detailed. Sources of data are the mortality tables of the World Health Organization (1979–2003), the records on death by homicide of the Italian National Institute of Statistics (1946 till today), and the information archived by the EURES, a database specifically dealing with homicide, active in Italy since 1990. Data on victims will be analyzed by sex, age, and geographical location. Data on aggressor will be presented according to judiciary investigations. Details will be offered on special topics, such as infanticide, parricide, and matricide, homicide by the partner, murder-suicide, spree killing, and serial killing. The role of mental disorders in both the victim and the assailant will be reviewed. Additional information will be detailed about aggressor–victim relationship, by distinguishing familial kinship, romantic affair (including domestic violence), friendship, and none (as often but not always in robbery). Prevention of homicide in Italy is mainly expressed through police investigation, aimed at reducing the risk of homicide by robbery, by vengeance, and by criminal organizations such as the “mafia.” In the last decade, more attention has been paid to the role of intra-domestic violence as a risk factor for homicide, and specific programs were addressed to reduce the incidence and the consequence of infant abuse and domestic violence. The role of mental disorders and substance abuse as risk factors for homicide is still poorly recognized, but greater attention is paid to mental health issues than in the past.