Mapping the global scientific research of infant homicide : a descriptive scoping review

This review describes research on the homicide of infants (aged 0-1 year), pertaining to victim and perpetrator characteristics. A search of eighteen databases, yielded fifty-three included articles, of which, thirty-nine were cases studies, two qualitative, and twelve quantitative. The diversity of study methods and shortage of robust, dedicated studies prevented adequate synthesis of the findings. This review, therefore, encourages the development of more targeted research focused on the homicide of infants.