A Statistical Evaluation of the Gender Hypothesis in the Aetiology of Feminicide in Spain

Abstract

Here, we report a statistical test of the hypothesis that feminicides in Spain have a monocausal explanation, known as the gender hypothesis. Using a time series of feminicides that occurred in the period 2001-2019, we conducted several regression analyses to compare the goodness of fit of linear and non-linear regression models, analysing the complete series and segments of the same. We also used a pre-test/post-test interrupted time series design to assess the effect of Law 1/2004, considered as a public policy intervention. As a result of these analyses, we conclude that a multicausal or ecological hypothesis may provide a better explanation for this kind of crime than the gender hypothesis.