Which term describes the act of killing a child older than one year?

• A. Infanticide
• B. Filicide
• C. Neonaticide
• D. Child Abandonment

Answer: (B)

The act of killing a child older than one year is accurately described by the term filicide. This term refers specifically to the intentional act of a parent or caretaker killing their child. In this context, filicide encompasses not just the act itself but also captures the complex emotional and psychological circumstances surrounding the event, often involving a multitude of factors including mental health issues of the parent or societal pressures.

Infanticide, on the other hand, generally refers to the killing of an infant, typically defined as a child within the first year of life. Neonaticide specifically pertains to the act of killing a newborn, usually within the first 24 hours after birth. Child abandonment, while a serious issue, describes the act of leaving a child without care, which does not imply a lethal action. Therefore, filicide is the most accurate term to describe the act of killing a child older than one year, as it focuses on the parent-child relationship and the tragic outcome of such actions.