Between 2019 and 2023, 25 people died in Estonia due to domestic violence. Many perpetrators said they did not know how it happened. 75% of cases were related to alcohol.
The study examined 25 cases. A total of 27 people killed their loved ones – 17 men and 10 women. Half were Estonians, half were Russians. Many perpetrators had only basic education.
Most perpetrators were men, averaging 42 years of age. The average age of female perpetrators was 47. The youngest perpetrator was a 17-year-old, the oldest a 67-year-old woman.
The victims were often women, averaging 63 years of age. Male victims averaged 46 years of age. The youngest victim was a 2-year-old boy, the oldest an 87-year-old woman.
Many perpetrators were the victims' sons or spouses. Female perpetrators mainly killed their husbands. Two women killed their own children.
Most perpetrators had no prior criminal record. Some had been previously punished for violence or theft. Knives were often used for killing. Sometimes axes or revolvers were used.
Alcohol played a significant role in many cases. Most perpetrators were intoxicated. Men were drunk in 13 cases, women in 6. Many families had long-term alcohol problems.
Many perpetrators did not remember what they did. They said it "just happened". Some did not intend to kill. Due to alcohol, they were considered victims of accidents.
Some perpetrators behaved strangely after the killing. One man did laundry after killing his wife. Another woman called another man. A third one slept next to the corpse.
One woman killed her relative to inherit their farm. She forged a will. They threw the corpse into a well.
There are many misconceptions about domestic violence. Some think it is normal. Victims are blamed for not leaving. But the study shows that the issue is complex.
Women can also become perpetrators if they are in long-term violent situations. This is called "battered woman syndrome". The study recommends more help for people with alcohol problems.