Dr. Sonali Valabdass

Sonali Valabdass is a researcher in forensic psychiatry whose work centers on intimate partner homicide within the South African context. Affiliated with Sterkfontein Hospital, a leading forensic psychiatric institution in Gauteng, her scholarship addresses the intersection of mental health, criminal responsibility, and violent offending.

Her published research examines the characteristics of individuals accused of intimate partner homicide who undergo forensic psychiatric observation. Through detailed record review, she explores socio-demographic, clinical, and offence-related factors linked to fitness to stand trial and criminal responsibility. The work highlights the roles of prior violence, substance use, psychiatric disorders, and contextual motives such as jealousy and separation.

This contribution advances understanding of risk profiling and informs the development of assessment tools and preventive strategies, including improved mental health services and violence reduction efforts. The analysis is based on limited available publications at present, yet demonstrates a focused expertise in forensic mental health and criminal behavior.