NCJ Number
177674
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Data from Australia revealed that 108 child homicide incidents resulted in the deaths of 126 children under age 15 years between July 1989 and December 1993.
Abstract
These homicides represented about 8.5 percent of all homicides in Australia in that time period. Twenty-five incidents involved more than one victim; most of these children were murdered by their fathers. About half of all assault victims were under age 1; infants were especially vulnerable to assault by striking (fists or feet), shaking, dropping, and throwing. The victims included 58 males and 67 females. The homicides involved 79 known male offenders and 25 known female offenders. Twenty-two offenders committed suicide. Offenders were usually parents. Forty-three children died as a consequence of a family dispute, usually relating to the termination of their parents' relationship. Thirty-two children were the victims of fatal child abuse. Findings indicated considerable diversity in the circumstances of the homicides. Knowledge of the characteristics of these homicides is a prerequisite for developing intervention programs and providing services to those identified as at risk. Figures, tables, and 10 references