`
83
CRIMES AGAINST LIFE COMMITTED BY WOMEN
Gofurova Dilafruz Murod qizi
Senior Lecturer, Academy of Labor and Social Relations, Federation of Trade Unions of
Uzbekistan, Doctor of Philosophy in Law (PhD) Tashkent, Uzbekistan
dilafruz.gofurova.92@mail.ru
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16612442
Annotation:
This article profoundly analyzes the forensic characteristics of crimes
against life committed by women within the context of theoretical and practical issues. It
elucidates the unique features of female criminality, including the causes, motives, methods,
and traces of crime from a forensic perspective. Furthermore, it covers specific approaches to
finding, identifying, and investigating crime traces, the significance of modern forensic
techniques and tactics, and preventive measures based on the opinions of forensic scholars and
statistical data. The article also reflects the author's views, challenges in investigative practice,
and scientific proposals on the topic.
Keywords:
female criminality, crimes against life, forensics, forensic characteristics of
crime, crime causes, crime motives, investigation methods, crime traces, prevention, forensic
methodology.
In the contemporary context of building a legal state and civil society, the effective fight
against crime, including a deep study and elimination of its causes and conditions, remains a
paramount task. Within the overall structure of criminality, crimes committed by women,
particularly those that target human life, exhibit unique socio-psychological and
forensic
characteristics
. Understanding the phenomenon of such crimes and analyzing their
commission mechanisms hold significant importance for investigative practices and crime
detection. In forensic science, the
forensic characteristics of a crime
refer to a comprehensive
set of essential information related to the crime's commission. This information forms the
foundation for uncovering, investigating, and prosecuting crimes. When it comes to crimes
against life committed by women, these elements possess distinct features.
The
forensic characteristics of the offender
highlight that factors leading women into
criminal behavior often differ from those affecting men. Studying the age, education, social
background, marital status, and psychological state of female offenders is of crucial importance
for investigations. For instance, I.M. Luzgin's forensic research emphasized the specific role of
the offender's personality in investigative activities, underscoring that accurate identification
of the perpetrator and understanding their motives are key to enhancing investigative
effectiveness.¹ Similarly, N.A. Selivanov's forensic approaches to studying criminal motivation
highlight the necessity of considering the perpetrator's personal characteristics during the
investigation.² Often, women commit crimes in highly emotional or
affective states
, or as a
result of prolonged
psychological depression
or despair.
The
motives and objectives of the crime
committed by women are often more rooted
in socio-psychological and personal circumstances than those of men. These crimes are
commonly linked to factors such as
jealousy, revenge
(especially in response to continuous
violence), a desire to
avoid shame
(e.g., concealing or killing an illegitimate newborn), self-
defense against domestic violence, protecting children, or profound hopelessness. Identifying
these complex motives is paramount for selecting appropriate investigative tactics. R.S. Belkin's
work on forensic methodology suggests that identifying crime motives can help construct a
`
84
psychological portrait
of the offender, thereby guiding the formulation of investigative
theories.³ From the perspective of objectives, women often act with the goal of stopping
aggression directed at themselves or their children, or escaping social condemnation.
Regarding the
methods, means, and traces of the crime
, the method of committing a
crime is a fundamental element in forensic science. When women commit crimes, they typically
choose methods that require less physical force, are covert, and often involve sudden actions.
Examples include poisoning, frequently carried out discreetly and requiring extensive forensic
chemical examinations; strangulation, commonly used against intimate partners in domestic
settings and requiring forensic medical conclusions; and the use of sharp-edged objects like
kitchen knives or scissors, which necessitates comprehensive trace and ballistic examinations.
Drowning is particularly observed in cases of infanticide, as is passive neglect. As A.R.
Shlyakhov noted, the unique characteristics of these methods provide vital information to the
investigator for solving the crime and constitute a core part of the
forensic description
.⁴ Crime
traces and methods for their detection are also of significant importance to the investigator,
including classic traces like fingerprints and footwear impressions, biological traces such as
blood, hair, saliva, semen, and skin particles (where DNA analysis is crucial), and tool marks.
Electronic traces
from mobile phone calls, SMS messages, and social network activity can also
provide critical leads. Women often attempt to conceal or destroy crime traces, which
necessitates the application of modern forensic techniques (e.g., luminescent methods, specific
reagents) and sophisticated investigative tactics (e.g., careful interrogation, polygraph
examination).
The
time and place of the crime
are also critical. In many instances, crimes against life
committed by women occur within
domestic settings
, specifically at their place of residence
or in nearby areas. This pattern is particularly characteristic of crimes rooted in domestic
violence or personal enmity. The timing of the crime – whether it occurred during the day or
night, or on weekdays versus weekends – is also crucial in establishing its forensic
characteristics. A.N. Vasilyev and N.P. Yablokov, in their foundational work "Subject, System
and Theoretical Foundations of Criminalistics," thoroughly explained the significance of the
crime scene and time in formulating investigative theories. They argued that specific
characteristics of the crime scene (e.g., residential area, public space, deserted area) and the
precise time of the crime (e.g., daytime or nighttime, workday or weekend) create vital logical
connections for identifying the offender, their motives, preparation level, and the means
employed.⁶
Today, investigating crimes against life committed by women presents several forensic
challenges. Firstly, there are
difficulties in determining motives
. Uncovering the personal
and psychological underpinnings of these crimes requires profound
psychological analysis
,
making the role of
forensic psychological
and
forensic psychiatric examinations
paramount. Crimes committed by women, especially those against life, frequently result from
deep internal struggles, emotional stress, prolonged psychological pressure, or domestic
violence. In such circumstances, standard investigative methods often struggle to fully
ascertain the true motives. Secondly,
attempts to conceal traces
are common. Women may
exercise extreme caution in destroying crime traces, necessitating a meticulous examination of
the crime scene and the application of modern forensic techniques and methods. According to
`
85
I.F. Gerasimov, a comprehensive approach and highly developed forensic technology are
essential for the complete identification of crime traces.⁷ Lastly, the
subjectivity of witness
testimony
is a significant challenge. In family-related crimes, witnesses (often relatives) may
frequently refuse to provide objective information, requiring a sensitive psychological
approach and adherence to the interrogation tactics principles advanced by N.T. Vedernikov.⁸
To effectively address these challenges, investigative practice should prioritize several
solutions. There should be an
active application of comprehensive examinations
, including
forensic medical, biological, trace, ballistic, genetic (DNA), and psychological-psychiatric
examinations, to enable an objective investigation. International experience, particularly in
countries like Germany, the USA, and the UK, widely employs a
multidisciplinary approach
in
criminal investigations. The
introduction of advanced forensic techniques
is also crucial.
Utilizing modern equipment and technologies, such as
computer forensics
, for finding and
analyzing crime traces is essential. Forensic laboratories in developed countries widely use
automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS), digital forensics tools, 3D laser scanners,
and advanced chemical analysis methods. Finally,
enhancing investigator qualifications
is
vital. Specialized training on the psychological and forensic characteristics of female criminality
is essential. Leading law enforcement academies worldwide have established special courses
on these topics, including criminal profiling techniques.
In Uzbekistan, statistics on crimes committed by women, including crimes against life, are
regularly analyzed. Data provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of
Uzbekistan indicate the proportion of women among individuals identified for intentional
murder and attempted murder: 10.9% in 2021, 9.8% in 2022, 6.8% in 2023, and 11.4% in
2024.⁹ These figures demonstrate that the proportion of crimes against life committed by
women has fluctuated over the years, with a notable increase in 2024. These variations
necessitate ongoing forensic analysis and serve as a critical foundation for studying crime
dynamics, evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures, and improving forensic
characterization.
In conclusion, to prevent crimes against life committed by women, attention should be
paid to
improving the system for combating domestic violence
, including strengthening the
enforcement of relevant laws and developing rehabilitation centers for victims. Secondly,
improving the socio-economic situation of women
through employment, entrepreneurship
incentives, and hardship alleviation can directly impact crime rates. Thirdly,
establishing a
robust system of psychological support
is crucial, providing timely psychological counseling
and therapy to women experiencing depression and stress, thereby addressing underlying
motives for crimes. Lastly,
continuing to enhance the legal literacy of women
through
regular educational initiatives is advisable, ensuring women are aware of their rights,
obligations, and the severe consequences of criminal liability.
References:
Используемая литература:
Foydalanilgan adabiyotlar:
1.
Лузгин, И.М. (1974).
Расследование преступлений по горячим следам
. Москва:
`
86
Юридическая литература.
2.
Селиванов, Н.А. (1987).
Криминалистика: Вопросы и ответы
. Москва: Юридическая
литература.
3.
Белкин, Р.С. (2000).
Криминалистика: проблемы, тенденции, перспективы
. Москва:
Юнити-Дана.
4.
Шляхов, А.Р. (1977).
Криминалистика: Учебник для вузов
. Москва: Юридическая
литература.
5.
Образцов, В.А. (1995).
Криминалистика: Учебное пособие
. Москва: Юнити.
6.
Васильев, А.Н., Яблоков, Н.П. (1989).
Предмет, система и теоретические основы
криминалистики
. Москва: Московский государственный университет.
7.
Герасимов, И.Ф. (1982).
Понятие, виды и значение криминалистических версий
.
Свердловск: СЮИ.
8.
Ведерников,
Н.Т.
(1998).
Личность
обвиняемого
и
подсудимого:
криминалистические проблемы
. Томск: Томский государственный университет.
9.
O'zbekiston Respublikasi Ichki ishlar vazirligi (lib.stat.uz) ma'lumotlari.
Qasddan odam
o'ldirish va o'ldirishga suiqasd qilish jinoyati sodir etganligi aniqlangan shaxslardan ayollarning
ulushi
.
10.
Footnotes
¹ Luzgin, I.M. (1974).
Расследование преступлений по горячим следам
. Москва:
Юридическая литература, p. 78. ² Selivanov, N.A. (1987).
Криминалистика: Вопросы и
ответы
. Москва: Юридическая литература, p. 112. ³ Belkin, R.S. (2000).
Криминалистика:
проблемы, тенденции, перспективы
. Москва: Юнити-Дана, p. 210. ⁴ Shlyakhov, A.R. (1977).
Криминалистика: Учебник для вузов
. Москва: Юридическая литература, p. 188. ⁵
Obraztsov, V.A. (1995).
Криминалистика: Учебное пособие
. Москва: Юнити, p. 245. ⁶ Vasiliev,
A.N., Yablokov, N.P. (1989).
Предмет, система и теоретические основы криминалистики
.
Москва: Московский государственный университет, p. 98. ⁷ Gerasimov, I.F. (1982).
Понятие, виды и значение криминалистических версий
. Свердловск: СЮИ, p. 156. ⁸
Vedernikov, N.T. (1998).
Личность обвиняемого и подсудимого: криминалистические
проблемы
. Томск: Томский государственный университет, p. 89. ⁹ O'zbekiston
Respublikasi Ichki ishlar vazirligi (lib.stat.uz) ma'lumotlari.
Qasddan odam o'ldirish va
o'ldirishga suiqasd qilish jinoyati sodir etganligi aniqlangan shaxslardan ayollarning ulushi
, p. 7.
