Studies link domestic violence to murder-suicide and homicide patterns

Research and police data from South Australia and South Korea highlight the significant role of domestic violence in homicide cases.

A study by Adelaide University examining 363 adult homicide cases in South Australia between 2003 and 2022 found that every murder-suicide identified occurred within a domestic relationship. Of the 10 murder-suicides analyzed, nine involved victims killed by an intimate partner, with women accounting for eight of the 10 victims. These findings follow the implementation of a five-year plan in South Australia to address domestic, family, and sexual violence following a royal commission.

In South Korea, National Police Agency data released by Representative Kim Nam-hee shows that nearly one in five murder cases recorded since 2023 involved a perpetrator with a history of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual violence. Out of 2,760 murder cases recorded from 2023 through September 2024, 543 involved such prior offenses. Recent high-profile cases in South Korea have underscored perceived gaps in victim protection, leading to legislative proposals to amend stalking laws to include behaviors aimed at dominating or controlling others.