A report reveals that nearly one in ten women killed by men in the UK over the past 15 years were mothers murdered by their own sons. The data, analyzing the deaths of 2,000 women killed by men since 2009, sheds light on the lesser-known issue of matricide. According to the study by the Femicide Census, mental illness was a factor in 58% of these matricide cases, highlighting state failures and the lack of awareness about the risk sons pose to their mothers. Experts suggest various factors behind the killings, including mental health conditions, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing leading to extended periods of children living with parents, and misogynistic attitudes. Despite the prevalence of mental health issues in these cases, there is no specific prevention policy for mothers caring for mentally ill sons. These findings emphasize the urgent need for the government to step up and address these issues, including raising awareness and providing better support systems for victims. The report underlines the severity and frequency of the problem, with one woman being killed every three days in the UK since 2009, and calls for more decisive action to combat male violence against women.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/05/more-than-170-mothers-killed-by-sons-15-years-uk-report