NCJ Number
175228
Date Published
1997
Length
57 pages
Annotation
Characteristics of typical homicide incidents are examined, and homicide trends in Australia for the 1989-1996 period are summarized.
Abstract
Homicide, more than any other crime, is primarily the result of a dynamic social relationship between the individuals concerned. It usually results from a trivial matter that escalates out of control. Different categories of homicide are determined by circumstances of the event and interactions between the victim and the accused. Because characteristics of specific homicide categories vary, the identification of risk factors for each category can suggest appropriate interventions and preventive strategies. Data on homicides in Australia between 1989 and 1996 indicate the proportion of male to female victims was 3:2, the proportion of male to female offenders was 9:1, and most offenders were males between 18 and 26 years of age. Homicides were more likely to occur in residential premises than in other locations, were more likely to occur during the night than during the day, and were equally likely to occur on any day of the week. Aboriginal people were overrepresented among both homicide victims and offenders. Homicide was overwhelmingly intraracial in character and was most likely to be committed with a knife attack or by an assault. Firearms accounted for just under 25 percent of all homicide deaths. One in three homicides was the result of an incident between friends and acquaintances, one in five homicides was the result of an incident between intimate partners, and one in six homicides was the result of an incident involving family members other than intimate partners. Strangers were responsible for one in six homicide incidents. Policy implications of the findings are discussed. 33 references, 6 tables, and 70 figures