This study explores why femicides in Northern Ireland increased during the COVID-19 lockdown and what kinds of offenders were responsible. Researchers analyzed 11 cases that occurred between March 2020 and December 2021 using newspaper reports and statistical mapping. The findings revealed two main offender types: Chronic Criminal Abusers, who had a history of domestic or general violence and often appeared stable in everyday life, and Mentally Disturbed offenders, who struggled with mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or drug use and were more likely to commit murder-suicides.

The authors conclude that Northern Ireland’s social and political history, limited domestic abuse laws at the time, and the stress of lockdowns likely contributed to the crisis. They call for stronger legal protections for women, better mental health and addiction services, and more early intervention for at-risk families. The study highlights the urgent need for a coordinated, trauma-informed approach to prevent femicide and support survivors of gender-based violence.