NCJ Number
204447
Journal
Journal of Scandinavian Studies in Criminology and Crime Prevention Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: 2003 Pages: 223-236
Date Published
2003
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Based on data obtained for 1960-2000, this study examined the prevalence and trend in homicide-suicide in Finland, along with the socioeconomic correlates of this phenomenon.
Abstract
The research was based on three data blocks from two data sources. The analysis of the period 1960-74 used the annual reports of all homicides compiled by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation. The data from the two later periods, 1988-96 and 1998-2000 came from two separate, recently published studies (Kivivuori, 2001; Lehti, 2002). The main source for these studies was the Crime information System of the Finnish Police. The study found that in the early 1960's, 15 percent of Finnish homicide offenders committed suicide after they committed homicide. In 1998-2000, only 6 percent of homicide offenders committed suicide. This downward trend in the rate of such cases was due to the increase in the rate of nonsuicidal homicide as well as to a substantial decrease in the general homicide-suicide rate. Over the study period, the rate of suicidal homicide offenders per 100,000 population was cut in half. This decrease occurred in the two most prevalent homicide-suicide types of situations, i.e. inmate-partner homicides and parent-child homicides. Within these crime types there was a decrease in crimes committed by men. The percentage and the rate of homicide-suicide have been consistently highest among middle classes and lowest among the unemployed and working classes. Victim-offender relationship, stressful life events, and alcohol consumption are discussed as explanations for this stable social difference. 2 tables, 5 figures, and 30 references