NCJ Number
206684
Date Published
2004
Length
57 pages
Annotation
This report presents statistical data on the circumstances and characteristics of homicide in Australia for fiscal year 2002-2003.
Abstract
The Australian Institute of Criminology’s National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) has been collecting information on the circumstances and characteristics of homicide for the past 14 years. In addition to tabulated data on homicide characteristics, the report also provides jurisdictional comparisons and long-term trend analyses for the 14 year data collection period. A narrative summary precedes the tabulated data. Data for the report are drawn annually from two key sources: (1) offense records derived from each state and territory in Australia, and (2) State coronial records, such as toxicology and post-mortem reports. During 2002-2003, homicide in Australia decreased 16 percent to the lowest rate recorded in the 14-year history of the NHMP. Compared with the preceding reporting period, there were 57 fewer homicide incidents in Australia in 2002-2003. However, despite yearly variations, both the occurrence and the circumstances of homicide in Australia have remained relatively stable over the 14-year study period. Of the 297 homicide incidents that occurred in 2002-2003, 89 percent were murder offenses and 11 percent were manslaughter offenses. Temporal characteristics are considered; in 2002-2003, the majority of homicides occurred in the evening hours (69 percent) and within residential premises (58 percent). The demographics and precipitating characteristics of homicide victimization are presented; precipitating characteristics include the use of both alcohol and drugs. Weapons and methods of victimization are also reviewed; both males and females were most likely to be killed with a knife or other sharp instrument in 2002-2003. Next, homicide offender characteristics are presented, including demographic information and precipitating factors. The identification of the relational distance between the offender and the victim is integral to developing a better understanding of the contextual dynamics of the homicide incident. The data reveal that males and females become offenders and victims of homicide under disparate circumstances. In 2002-2003, males were most likely to kill a friend or acquaintance (34 percent), while females were most likely to kill a family member (49 percent). Finally, information is provided regarding the NHMP quality control process and the use of NHMP homicide data. Tables, figures, references