NCJ Number
176538
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies patterns and trends in intimate homicide in Australia.
Abstract
Three times every two weeks a homicide occurs in Australia in which intimate partners are involved. In these incidents both victims and offenders are spouses, ex-spouses, those in current or former relationships, boyfriends, girlfriends, or partners of same-sex relationships. One-third of intimate-partner homicides result from conflicts associated with jealousy or the termination of a relationship. The remaining incidents arise from domestic arguments. Intimate-partner homicide raises difficult policy issues. They occur in the home, where the amount of external social control is very limited or non-existent. Data sources such as coroners' reports and court transcripts could provide additional information regarding the day-to-day relationships between victims and offenders and the circumstances surrounding the incidents. Notes, figures, tables, references