NCJ Number
164099
Journal
Juristat Volume: 16 Issue: 11 Dated: (July 1996) Pages: 1-15
Date Published
1996
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The homicide rate in Canada declined again in 1995, after reaching a 25-year low in 1994; 586 homicides were reported in 1995, 10 fewer than in 1994.
Abstract
Most provinces reported a decline in their homicide rate in 1995. Minor increases, however, occurred in British Columbia, Quebec, and Newfoundland. British Columbia recorded the highest provincial rate for the fourth straight year, followed by Manitoba and Alberta. Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland reported the lowest provincial rate. Both Manitoba and Saskatchewan reported their lowest homicide rate in nearly 30 years. In 1995, 30 percent of homicides were committed with firearms, slightly lower than average. In the 15 years previous to 1991, handguns accounted for only 1 in every 10 homicides. Most homicides were committed by someone known to the victim. One in every six solved homicides (16 percent) were perpetrated by strangers in 1995, consistent with previous years. Spousal homicides increased slightly in 1995. In 1995, 65 young people between 12 and 17 years of age were accused of committing homicide. This total was higher than in 1994 and represented the highest number of young people accused in 20 years. Between 1985 and 1994, the youth homicide rate remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 1.5 and 2.5 per 100,000 youths. The 1995 rate of 2.7 was higher than average. 10 tables and 9 figures