Strengthening and the expansion of policies for filicide prevention and responses

Abstract

In South Africa, child homicides are not acknowledged as a distinct crime category but are encapsulated within the common-law crime of murder. This oversight underscores the failure to afford child homicides the requisite and unique policy attention they demand. Moreover, the neglect of sub-categories within child murders carries significant policy and practice implications. The absence of proper categorization makes it challenging for policymakers and service agencies, including law enforcement to comprehend the subtleties of child homicides, recognize the evolving patterns, identify opportunities for coordinated and collaborative action, and allocate resources effectively.