Invisible harm after lethal violence: Victims of homicide by offenders with mental disorders

In examining the relationship between mental disorder and criminal behavior, the research agenda has shifted substantially from a paradigm of dangerousness to one centered on victimization. However, the impact of homicides perpetrated by individuals with mental disorders on victims-particularly regarding limited access to justice and reparation-has remained largely absent from victimological research. Through a review of 2586 homicide cases adjudicated by Spanish courts, of which 278 (10.75%) involved perpetrators with mental disorders, the distinctive characteristics of these cases were examined. Most involved lethal attacks against family members, with 26.1% constituting parricides. A key finding was that these victims received compensation in only a small number of cases, a disadvantage largely attributable to the intrafamilial nature of most incidents. A further shift in the victimization paradigm may therefore redirect attention toward the specific characteristics of this form of victimization-frequently experienced within the perpetrator's immediate family circle-and promote a more preventive, victim-oriented institutional and professional response to such cases.