NCJ Number
201109
Date Published
2003
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This report provides statistical data on the circumstances and characteristics of homicide in Australia for 2001-2002.
Abstract
The National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) has collected, analyzed, and reported data concerning homicides in Australia since 1989. The two main sources of data are offense records from each State and Territory police service and State coroner records. The report offers statistical data in table format on the overall homicide rate, followed by data concerning homicide incidents, victims, and offenders. Data from 2001-2002 indicated that there were 354 homicide incidents recorded in Australia, which is a 20 percent increase in the number of homicides from the previous year. However, the homicide rate in Australia remains low and the current increase is noted as not statistically significant. Between July 1989 and June 2002, the homicide rate in Australia has remained relatively stable when compared to the steady increase in assaults. The stability of the homicide rate in comparison to the assault rate could be attributed to advances in emergency medical care or to an increase in the reporting of assaults to police. The report also notes that since 1989 there has been a consistent gender differential in victims of homicides, with males far outnumbering females as homicide victims. However, when the data are broken down to territory level, females make up a greater proportion of victims in Western Australia (51 percent), South Australia (42 percent), and the Northern Territory (44 percent). Age has remained a stable predictor of risk of homicide victimization, with the highest risk attributed to those aged 30 to 34 years. The consistent patterns that emerged from the 2001-2002 data include the fact that male homicide victims were more likely to be single, working, and involved in criminal activities. Female victims of homicide were more likely to be married or in a relationship, not working, and have no criminal history. Twenty-eight percent of male victims and 21 percent of female victims consumed alcohol prior to their death. Firearms were the weapon of choice in 14 percent of the homicides during 2001-2002, representing a 25 percent decrease in firearm use from 2000-2001. Eighty-five percent of homicide offenders were male. The report also contains examples of how previous NHMP data have been utilized by researchers. References