NCJ Number
87664
Date Published
1981
Length
22 pages
Annotation
The chapter analyzes the statistics reflecting homicides and suicides occurring in the United States from 1900-1976.
Abstract
The United States now has mortality data for suicide and homicide for the expanding death registration States for each year in the period 1900-1932 and for the entire United States for each year beginning with 1933. These data have been useful to health planners and other research workers who need an overall view of mortality from these causes and are interested in identifying, not individuals, but subgroups of the population at high risk from violence. The data for the first 77 years for which annual tabulations of deaths have been made show the closeness with which the upturns in suicide and homicide rates throughout the century have paralleled the upturns in great national distress, e.g., rises in unemployment, racial hostility, and the closeness with which the downturns in the rates have paralleled the periods of national prosperity and humaneness. Trend analysis reveals that more individuals commit suicide in the spring than in any other season, on Monday more than on any other day of the week, and that the suicide rate for white women constantly peaks during the middle years of life -- from 45 to 54. The data also reveal a new homicide pattern, the slaying of the most vulnerable people in our society. The victim rate for white women at ages 80 to 84 years quadrupled between 1960 and 1976. Suicide rates show recent increases for white male teenagers and for individuals who were born in the baby boom of 1943-1957. One bright pattern that has emerged is the downturn in the suicide rates for older people that began in the 1930's, concomitant with the establishment of broad social security programs. Seven figures, four tables, and eight references are provided. (Author summary modified)