NCJ Number
122098
Journal
Criminology Australia Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: (June/July 1989) Pages: 12-15
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In 1989, Australia's National Committee on Violence initiated a comprehensive investigation of violence in the country.
Abstract
Specific study objectives are to assess the contemporary state of violent crime in Australia, to relate social, economic, psychological, and environmental aspects of violent crime; to explore gender issues in violence, the mass media's impact, and the link between alcohol and drug use and violence; to examine factors that instill violent attitudes in children and adolescents; to develop specific violence prevention strategies; and to determine the need for support of and assistance to victims of violence. Not all violence is legally defined as criminal violence. Certain crime categories, however, usually described as crimes against the person, are regarded as violent crimes. These include homicide, rape, assault, and robbery. Polls indicate that public anxiety exists over the level of violent crime in Australian society. It is pointed out that official crime statistics compiled primarily by the Australian Institute of Criminology, the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, and the South Australian Office of Crime Statistics do not provide a complete picture. Some offenses are not reported to the police; in particular, sexual assault and rape are undoubtedly under-reported. Crime statistics from 1973 to 1987 show that the murder rate remained fairly constant in Australia, the reported incidence of rape increased from 6 to 15 percent, and the incidence of serious assault and robbery also increased. Nearly two-thirds of victims were blue collar workers, about 60 percent of homicide victims were male, and the 20-29 year age group was slightly over-represented. For the offenses of rape, assault, and robbery with violence, single individuals had higher victimization rates than the general population. 8 references, 5 figures.