The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research (QDFVR), in conjunction with CQU\'s Distinguished Visitor’s Program, held a presentation today (Thursday November 10) by Carolyn Harris Johnson.

Carolyn has been a social worker for the past 25 years and has 15 years of experience in the Criminal Justice system and the Family Court of Western Australia’s Counselling Service. She is currently studying her PhD, works part-time providing therapy for violent men and conducts research into family homicide.

Carolyn’s research has examined in depth, cases of family homicide in Western Australia, where an individual murders or attempts to murder their partner and/or child or children, and then suicides or attempts suicide.

Carolyn’s ground-breaking research has identified common themes and factors present in this type of offence. The research dispels myths about the offence and significantly contributes to knowledge about family homicide. Carolyn’s book titled \'Come with Daddy\' was released world-wide this year.

According to Heather Nancarrow, Director of the QDFVR based at CQU Mackay, domestic violence is about power and control and perpetrators are most commonly male.

“Often when women take action to end the violence, such as by ending the relationship, the violence increases in efforts to retain, or regain control. Sometimes, and too often, this violence extends to murder,” said Heather.

“Apart from the prevalence of these domestic homicides (averaging three every fortnight) in Australia, one of the most chilling reminders is that men who kill their partners and children are not much different from other abusive men—they just go a step further”.

Research by Mouzos and Rushforth, found that for the 13-year period covered in their study, Australian parents killed 25 children, on average, each year.

According to Heather, research is clear that where violence in the relationship exists, women and children are at risk of homicide whether the couple remain in the relationship or separate.

Carolyn’s research into familicide and disputed custody and access has been presented to members of the judiciary and legal profession, police, social workers, refuge workers and family court counsellors through numerous national and international conferences, as well as the Western Australian parliamentary round table discussion on domestic homicide in April 2004.

“We are very pleased to be hosting Carolyn’s presentation and a great deal of interest has already been generated,” said Heather.

Today Carolyn presented her ground-breaking research into child murder-suicide after family breakdown in a presentation titled \'Understanding Familicide and Dispelling the Myths\'.

Photo above: Carolyn Harris Johnson will present her ground-breaking research into child murder-suicide after family breakdown with her presentation titled \'Understanding Familicide and Dispelling the Myths\'.