NCJ Number
169175
Date Published
1992
Length
72 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study of domestic homicides that involved firearms identified the common factors in such cases and considered means for applying this information so as to prevent such incidents.
Abstract
The study, which was conducted between September 1991 and March 1992, included a literature review, an examination of historical trends since 1975, and a survey of police officers involved in the investigation of each domestic homicide that involved a firearm during the years 1989 and 1990. Case information was obtained on 93 of 102 incidents that occurred during the 2-year period. Per capita calculations show the rarity of these incidents; for example, 1 in 400,000 females and 1 in 500,000 males are victims of domestic homicide with firearms each year. One in 300,000 wives and 1 in a million husbands are killed each year by their spouses with a gun. Although it is not possible to produce a quantified probability of a domestic homicide with firearm occurring under any particular circumstance, the study suggests that the probability does increase under certain conditions. Most prominent among these conditions are a history of violent disputes with limited police intervention, a history of substance abuse, drunkenness, an existing criminal record, separation or pending separation, and employment and financial problems. The data indicate that prospects for further prevention of domestic homicides through the seizure of firearms from persons involved in violent domestic disputes are dependent on police being better informed about domestic violence occurrences. Case survey results also provide support for rigorous application of the Section 100 Criminal Code provisions, which permit orders of firearm prohibition to accompany convictions for violent, weapons, or drug offenses. Almost one-third of the accused in the case studies had prior convictions for these offenses. 16 tables, 1 figure, and a 16-item bibliography