A Reason To Kill: Case Study On Mariticide

Volume 8 Issue 1 February - April 2018

Case Study

A Reason To Kill: Case Study On Mariticide

Mary Grace C. Lacanaria*, Juan Jose T. David**

* Dean, College of Nursing, Saint Louis University, Baguio City, Philippines.

** Nurse Instructor, Delmark Global Academy, School of Practical Nursing, Baguio City, Philippines.

Lacanaria, M,G,C., and David, J.J.T. (2018). A Reason to Kill: Case Study on Mariticide. i-manager’s Journal on Nursing, 8(1), 42-56. https://doi.org/10.26634/JNUR.8.1.14236

Abstract

The paucity of research concerning mariticide creates a gap in the knowledge of homicide. In this light, the study primarily aimed to understand the experiences of the wife before, during and after mariticide. The woman in this study described in detail not only the day she prevented herself from getting killed, but also the series of events that occurred before and the aftermath that resulted from committing mariticide. The entire experience of mariticide entails a multifactorial ground. The case of Jenny depicted that her husband being an alcoholic is the main reason why she suffered battery. In addition, poverty was also imminent as Jenny was the only one who worked to provide the needs of their children when her husband suddenly stopped working and spent most of his time getting drunk. The involvement of their children in the experience of abuse prompted Jenny to report her husband to the proper authority. Her husband kept coming back to her life and as a result, she easily forgives hoping that a change would come. On the other hand, Jenny was not aware that there are certain agencies that she can visit to ask for help. As a result, she went into drinking to suppress the effects of abuse. In this exploration, Jenny's children were the major driving force behind the choice to remain in the abusive relationship. Jenny did not deny that violence exists, rationalized abuse as a result of husband's drunkenness and jealousy and did hope that her husband will change so that abuse will stop on its own. Furthermore, Jenny also accepted the outcomes of what she did as shown by her willingness to start a new life, acknowledgement of the losses and hardships life brings and dedication on work to be able to provide the needs of her family.