This paper reviews global legislation and forensic research on the killing of women, revealing the absence of a universally accepted legal definition of “femicide.” This lack of clarity contributes to underreporting, inconsistent data, and fragmented policy responses. While many regions (including Europe and the Commonwealth) lack femicide-specific laws, Latin America has led in formal recognition. The study highlights developments in Asia, such as Japan’s evolving anti-stalking and domestic violence laws, South Korea’s 2019 Basic Law on the Prevention of Violence Against Women, and ongoing issues surrounding “honor” killings in parts of the Middle East and South Asia.
The authors propose defining femicide as “a murder committed because of a failure to recognize a woman’s right to self-determination.” They argue that femicide should be recognized as a distinct and independent crime, reflecting the denial of women’s autonomy at its core. A stronger role for forensic experts is urged to identify patterns across cases, improve cooperation with law enforcement, and generate standardized global data. Such a shared medico-legal framework, they conclude, is essential to guide prosecutors, policymakers, and legislators toward more consistent definitions and targeted femicide prevention measures.