NCJ Number
186546
Date Published
2000
Length
244 pages
Annotation
This study focuses on the prevalence, patterns, and characteristics of homicide in Australia over the period of July 1, 1989, to June 30, 1999; the prevention of homicidal encounters is also discussed.
Abstract
After profiling the incidents of homicide as well as the victims and offenders, information and data are provided on victim-offender relationships, homicide in the course of another crime, mass and serial murder, spousal and partner homicide, homicidal women, homicidal children, the killing of children, and the killing of the elderly. During the period studied, there were 3,150 homicides. Just under two-thirds of these homicides occurred in residences, and 8 out of 10 homicides stemmed from interactions between the victim and the offender. There were 3,386 victims (63.2 percent male and 36.8 percent female). There were 3,481 offenders (87.2 percent male and 12.8 percent female). Eight out of 10 homicides occurred in interactions between people known to one another. Females were more likely to be killed by an intimate partner; whereas, males were more likely to be killed by a friend or acquaintance. There were 13 mass-murder incidents (four or more victims), resulting in the death of 94 persons. Approximately 9 percent of all homicide victims were under age 15. On the rare occasions when children killed a person, they were most often motivated to kill for money or drugs, with the victim most often being a stranger. Elderly victims accounted for approximately 7 percent of all homicide victims across a 10-year period. Prevention suggestions focus on the early control of aggressive behavior, drug and alcohol treatment, and target-hardening initiatives. 10 tables, 84 figures, and 306 references