Family murder crimes rise 20% in Jordan during first half of 2025

A recent report by the Jordanian Women’s Solidarity Association (Tadamon) reveals a worrying 20 percent increase in family murder cases in Jordan during the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with the number of victims rising by 25 percent.

Based on verified data from security statements and media monitoring, the report shows that from January to June 2025, 12 family murder cases resulted in 15 deaths, compared to 10 cases and 12 victims in the first half of 2024.

Escalation in brutality, widening circle of perpetrators

Tadamon warned not only of the rise in numbers but also of the “brutality of methods used.” The data analysis showed an expansion of perpetrators within families, with siblings responsible for 5 cases, followed by fathers and husbands with 2 cases each, and wives involved in one case. Firearms were the most common weapons (4 cases), followed by sharp tools (3 cases).

The report documented extremely violent methods, including strangulation, burning, and even throwing children into water streams, reflecting a high level of violence and clear criminal intent.

Nationwide spread, lack of preventive intervention

These crimes were not confined to one region but spread across multiple governorates, notably Zarqa (3 cases), Mafraq, Ma’an, and Amman (2 cases each), along with isolated incidents in Northern Jordan Valley, Balqa, and Aqaba, indicating a widespread national phenomenon.

Tadamon highlighted that many cases were preceded by clear warning signs such as escalating family disputes and financial conflicts, signaling the absence or limited presence of effective early intervention mechanisms.

Urgent call for comprehensive national plan

In response to this alarming trend, Tadamon stressed that responsibility lies with the state, civil society, and families alike, especially amid difficult social and economic conditions and limited resources for civil organizations.

The association urged the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy addressing root causes through key pillars:

• Youth employment: aligning education and vocational training with labor market needs.
• Prevention and early intervention: activating early reporting mechanisms and strengthening family mediation committees.
• Weapon control: tightening regulations on firearm possession and use.
• Community awareness: empowering educational, religious, and media institutions to promote tolerance, reject violence, and encourage peaceful conflict resolution.

Tadamon concluded that investing in family awareness and counseling programs is no longer a luxury but a vital necessity to create safe family environments and reduce the risk of minor conflicts escalating into complex crimes threatening Jordan’s social fabric.