This study examined the rate of same-sex intimate partner homicide in Australia.
This study of same-sex intimate partner homicide in Australia found that between the years 1989-1990 and 2009-2010, the number of same-sex intimate partner homicides fluctuated from zero to four per year, with the rate for 2009-2010 being 3.4 homicides per 100,000 same-sex couples. The study also found that for the 20-year study period, stab wounds were the leading cause of death for both same-sex and opposite-sex intimate partner homicides, strangulations or suffocations were more common among same-sex victims than opposite-sex victims, that beatings were more common among opposite-sex victims compared to same-sex victims, and that domestic arguments were identified as the leading motive for both same-sex and opposite-sex intimate partner homicide incidents. The study also examined the drug and alcohol use of both same-sex and opposite-sex partners and found that same-sex partners consumed alcohol at riskier levels than opposite-sex partners, and also used illicit drugs at higher levels than opposite-sex partners. This study was conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology to address the lack of information on the nature and context of same-sex intimate partner homicides in Australia. Data for the study were obtained from Australia's National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) database. The NHMP collects information on victims, offenders, and circumstances of all homicide incidents in the country each year. The findings from this study indicate that while same-sex intimate partner homicide accounts for only 2 percent of all intimate partner homicides in Australia each year, both same-sex and opposite-sex intimate partner homicides share many similar qualities and characteristics. Study limitations are discussed. Tables, figures, and references