NCJ Number
177672
Date Published
1995
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The 326 homicide incidents that occurred in Australia from July 1992 through June 1993 were analyzed with respect to the relationships between the victim and the accused and other characteristics of the incidents.
Abstract
These incidents involved 355 victims and 352 accused persons. Just under one-third of the homicides took place within the family, most often between current and separated spouses and sexual intimates. Friends and acquaintances were responsible for other one-third of the homicides. Seventy percent of the incidents involved one victim and one accused. Fifty-eight percent of the homicides occurred in urban areas. Seventy-four percent of the homicides occurred within residences. Thirty percent of the homicides were committed with sharp instruments; 27 percent were committed with fists, feet, or blunt instruments; and 25 percent were committed with firearms. The victims included 141 females and 214 males. The accused persons included 318 males and 34 females. Findings indicated that homicide is not one type of crime and that identification of risk factors involved in different categories of homicide can generate appropriate interventions and preventive strategies. Figures tables