Crime Facts Info

No. 36: Anti-homosexual homicides most often perpetrated by young males

ISSN 1445-7288
29 October 2002

A report released by the Australian Institute of Criminology on anti-homosexual homicide is based on evidence from a study of 74 homicides with male victims that occurred in New South Wales between 1980 and 2000. The data show that the victims were generally older than the offenders. Most victims were middle-aged or older males, with a peak in the thirties or forties, while the bulk of assailants were young males aged under 25. These young assailants also tended to attack more often in packs. Incidents of anti-homosexual harassment and violence are often described as "hate" crimes perpetrated by homophobic offenders who are acting on an extreme and irrational contempt for the sexual identity of their victims. This research suggests the significance of "masculine scenarios" of killing by young males in attacks that are directed against older men.

Age group of victims and perpetrators

Source

• Tomsen, S. 2002, Hatred, Murder and Male Honour: Anti-homosexual homicides in New South Wales, 1980-2000, Research and Public Policy Series, no. 43, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra.

Full report available on AIC web site: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/43/index.html