Crime Facts Info

No. 22: Homicides resulting from domestic altercations higher for women

ISSN 1445-7288
16 April 2002

A report released by the Australian Institute of Criminology has identified alleged motives for homicide in 2000-2001. Findings from the Homicide in Australia: 2000-2001 National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) Annual Report show that the majority of female homicide victims were killed as a result of domestic-related altercations (for example disputes over custody of children, termination of relationship). Compared to women, however, men are more frequently victims of homicide arising from arguments - particularly incidents involving money or drugs, (23 per cent) and general altercations (22 per cent). Alcohol-related arguments (including but not exclusively) where the male victim, offender or both had consumed alcohol at the time of incident accounted for 17 per cent of male homicides. The full report provides information on all homicides coming to police attention in Australia over 2000-2001, including victim and offender characteristics.

Percentage of victims by alleged motive, 2000-2001

Source

• Mouzos, J. 2002, Homicide in Australia: 2000-2001 National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) Annual Report, Research and Public Policy Series, no. 40, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra.

Full report available on AIC web site: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/40/index.html