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June 1, 2025 61 mins

WHY DO WOMEN KILL?

Women kill for a variety of reasons, with self-defense and abuse-related motivations being common. Many women who commit violence do so in self-defense or when victimized by abusive partners or family members, leading them to lose control.    Unlike male serial killers who often target unknown victims, female serial killers tend to kill those closest to them, like husbands or lovers, often motivated by improving their lifestyle according to Psychology Today. Additionally, mental health factors like depression, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD can contribute to suicidal ideation, which can sometimes lead to violence.    Here's a more detailed look at the factors involved: 1. Self-Defense and Abuse:
  • A significant number of women who commit violence do so out of self-defense against abusive partners or family members.
  • Abuse can lead to a loss of control, causing women to commit acts they would not normally contemplate.   
2. Improving Lifestyle (Serial Killers):
  • Unlike male serial killers who target random victims, female serial killers often target individuals they are emotionally connected to, such as husbands or lovers according to Psychology Today.   
  • Motivations for these killings can include improving their financial situation, social standing, or other lifestyle enhancements.   
3. Mental Health:
  • Factors like major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can increase the risk of suicide, which can be a contributing factor to violence according to ScienceDirect.
  • Relationship problems, lack of connectedness, and experiences of violence can also increase suicide risk.   
4. Other Factors:
  • Easy access to lethal means, adverse childhood experiences, bullying, and serious health conditions can also increase suicide risk.   
  • Family history of suicide, previous suicide attempts, mental illness, alcohol or drug misuse, and physical illness can also be associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior. 
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