The recent trial of a Saint John man convicted of murdering his two sons leaves the community searching for answers. Roman Kamyshnyy will serve two life sentences for the first degree murders of his 10 year old and 17 year old sons. According to experts, this tragedy highlights a severe risk to children during parental breakups that society often misses. You can read the full details of the case in the original CBC News report.

The Hidden Danger of Separation

Domestic violence experts say parents killing their children, known as filicide, frequently occurs in situations of intimate partner violence. Peter Jaffe, a psychologist and researcher, notes that when a woman leaves an abusive relationship, her former partner kills the children as an act of revenge. The abuser uses the children as a tool to inflict maximum pain on the former partner.

New Brunswick Statistics

New Brunswick holds a grim record. A recent study shows the province had the highest number of domestic violence related homicides in Atlantic Canada between 2012 and 2022. While most victims are intimate partners, children make up six percent of these tragic deaths.

The Kamyshnyy Case

In the Kamyshnyy case, the Crown argued vengeance drove the murders. His former wife divorced him two months before the killings. She told CBC News she never believed he would hurt their boys. Many mothers and frontline professionals miss the risk to children because they separate the partner’s abusive behavior from their ability to parent.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Separation marks the most dangerous period for women and children. Economic pressures and housing shortages force many separated couples to continue living together, escalating the danger. Domestic homicides rarely happen without warning. Jaffe points to common red flags. These include a history of domestic violence, excessive drug or alcohol use, depression, sexual jealousy, and obsessive behavior like stalking. Kamyshnyy admitted to hacking his former wife’s social media and tracking her vehicle with a GPS device.

Taking Action

Mary Aspinall, a criminology professor at St. Thomas University, calls for a paradigm shift. Society must stop viewing domestic violence as isolated physical incidents and recognize patterns of coercive control. Canada plans to criminalize coercive control by June 2028, a move experts believe improves safety. If you recognize warning signs in a friend or family member’s relationship, offer support without judgment. Help them access local services and safety planning. If you see an imminent risk of harm, call the police immediately.

If you face immediate danger, call 911. If family or intimate partner violence affects you, reach out to local crisis lines and support services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is filicide?

Filicide is the act of a parent killing their own child. Experts note this often happens as an act of revenge during a separation.

Why do children become targets in domestic violence?

Abusers use children as tools to inflict further harm and maintain control over their former partner after a relationship ends.

What are the warning signs of domestic homicide?

Common warning signs include a history of domestic violence, coercive control, stalking, substance abuse, depression, and extreme jealousy.

What is coercive control?

Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behavior used to isolate, control, and dominate another person over time. Canada plans to criminalize this behavior by 2028.