Increase in Family Murders May Be Related to Economy

Starting in 2007, the US has seen an increase in the number of family murders where a man takes the life of his wife and children before committing suicide. Katherine von Wormer, in an article posted at WomensNews.org, says that these types of case were vary rare until about two years ago, now they are happening at the rate of almost one a week. She goes on to site factors like the economy that put pressure on males to provide for their family. When the father cannot provide for his family because of unemployment, and other economic factors, he may feel like the only way out is to take his own life and protect his family from economic, psychological, and social hardship by taking their lives as well.

In addition, von Wormer points out that often these cases arise where there is an abusive or controlling relationship. She also points out that some of the abuse and subsequent killing may stem from societal pressure to “be a man” and what it means to be a “real man.”

Abuse is an issue that we regularly address, and it is always important to be aware of abuse in all its forms and to contact family members and law enforcement if you are the victim of abuse or you suspect that someone you care about it a victim.

Source: http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=4025

Search crime in your neighborhood at CrimeReports.com

Johnson County Creates Offender Map

KMBC.com and KansasCity.com are both reporting that the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, in Kansas City, Missouri, has created a public-facing offender map. The map plots the addresses and workplaces of sex offenders as well as those convicted of other violent offenses or drug offences. As well, the map shows a mug shot of the individual named and a list of their offenses. The map was created from Goolge Maps, and allows members of the public to search offenders by name and address.

Sheriff Frank Denning said, “The public has a right to this information, and I want to make it easy and user-friendly for them . . . . This mapping system is easy to use and will assist any person in locating offenders living or working close to them.”

Personally, this type of map makes me slightly uncomfortable. I realize that registered sex offenders’ names, addresses, and photos are readily available on any state’s registered sex offender website; however, I worry about those individuals who were convicted of a drug charge or violent offense who have paid their debt to society and are now being paraded around in public. Because the map only publishes the offense and not the date or location of the offense, the public might get the wrong impression of these people. If I were convicted of drug possession in 1985, served my sentence, and now live a clean and sober life, should I be paraded in pubic as a menace to society for something I did as a kid over 20 years ago? I think a map of this type raises some serious ethical questions and could possibly drudge up history that may do more harm than good to both the offender and the public.

What do you think? Leave a comment.