Comparative overview of the pathways to murder of females in North Macedonia and Serbia

Abstract

The causes of lethal violence perpetrated by females are multifactorial, formed by a complex interactivity of social and individual factors such as prolonged victimization, abuse, and societal inequalities. Researching on the feminist pathways perspective, this study investigates the life trajectories of women who commit homicide in North Macedonia and Serbia, using in-depth interviews with incarcerated women and analysis of court cases to classify and compare pathways to lethal violence. Findings reveal that female perpetrated homicides are rare in both countries and most often involve the killing of intimate partners or family members, frequently following long-term abuse and victimization. This research is the first comparative analysis of feminist pathways to homicide between these two countries and points up the necessity for gender-specific prevention strategies, accentuating that understanding the victimization-offending nexus is crucial for effective intervention and policy development.