Is it possible to predict if domestic violence will escalate to Murder?

Is it my imagination or is shockingly violent domestic crime on the rise? I'm specifically referring to the case in Vancouver where a man stabbed his wife, son and i(I think in-laws) to death. And the recent case in Calgary, where a man stabbed his tenant, wife and 2 of his 3 young children to death. Aside from the shock of a parent being able to kill his/her child, in both cases, serious emotional disturbance was logged/noted by family members, either to the police or within the family. What can be done to prevent tragic events like this and what are the best indicators? Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 06/01/2008 - 18:45. When domestic violence escalates to murder

What can be done to prevent violent domestic crimes? And is there any way of knowing when it will lead to murder?

There are warning signs, when violence becomes more severe and an abuser more controlling, but it really is impossible to know for sure when domestic violence will escalate to murder.  That’s why we strongly encourage victims to take all violence seriously, and take steps to protect themselves and their children.  Even in cases where violence doesn't escalate to murder, severe physical, emotional and psychological trauma can result.  

 

Women experiencing violence should seek help from local agencies, where there are experts ready to help them devise safety plans to protect themselves and their children.  <A href="http://www.endabuse.org/resources/gethelp/personal_plan.php">The Family Violence Prevention Fund </A> has resources at 3, which is a good starting point, but it’s best to get help from experts in the community, in particular because the very act of leaving can cause the violence to escalate. Women at risk, or those helping them, can review the danger<A href="http://www.dangerassessment.org"> assessment tool </A>www.dangerassessment.org developed by Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell; it helps identify behaviors that have been shown to be particularly dangerous.

 

But responsibility for stopping domestic violence crimes does not lie with victims alone.  We all have a role to play in recognizing the signs of abuse, letting victims know that we’re willing to help, telling perpetrators that all violence is unacceptable, and demanding an effective response from police, courts and other institutions. 

 

In the end, prevention really is key.  Our best hope for stopping these crimes lies with teaching the next generation that all violence is wrong. That’s why the Family Violence Prevention Fund launched its Coaching Boys Into Men campaign, to encourage fathers, uncles, soccer coaches and neighbors to reach out and talk to boys and teens about how they treat girls and women.  And this Sunday, on Father’s Day, we’re asking men to become “Founding Fathers” by calling for an end to violence against women and children and helping build a new kind of society where decency and respect require no special day on the calendar, and boys are taught that violence does not equal strength.  There’s more information at http://founding-fathers.org/ .

 

Esta Soler, president

Family Violence Prevention Fund