Intimate partner femicide (IPF): Medico-legal investigation at the Institutes of Legal Medicine of Freiburg (Germany) and Padova (Italy)

• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112084
• Publication Date: 2024-06-05T17:47:35Z
• Authors: Giorgia Franchetti; Federica Trevissoi; Silvia Cocchio; Patrizia Furlan; Alessia Viero; Barbara Bonvicini; Cristina Mazzarolo; Silvano Zancaner; Vanessa Thoma; Guido Viel; Giovanni Cecchetto; Annette Thierauf-...
• Keywords: Femicide; Circumstantial evidence; Medical jurisprudence; Homicide

Violence against women is a significant public health concern, with femicide as its most extreme manifestation. This crime often perpetrated by current or former intimate partners, thus taking the name of partner (IPF). Although international comparisons are essential for prevention policies, cross-country comparative studies scarce in this context. The aim study was to evaluate and compare clinical, epidemiological medico-legal characteristics IPF autopsy cases investigated at Institutes Legal Medicine two Western European cities, order identify potential pattern IPF. Autopsy police reports occurred judicial district Freiburg (Germany) Padova (Italy) from 2000 2022 were analyzed. Data relating victims, perpetrators, relationship context, circumstantial pathological-forensic homicide collected. Statistical analyses performed explore relationships between data Additionally, review literature dealing autopsy-based on performed. Overall, 82 analyzed, 39 43 Padova. A total 6 papers fulfilled inclusion criteria. Our identified demonstrated that it did not vary substantially Countries considered, suggesting certain shared level. However, finding emerged regarding higher prevalence firearm-related IPFs Italy compared Germany. Forensic pathology research might contribute developing targeted policies protect lethal form violence.