NCJ Number
117381
Journal
The British Journal of Criminology Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: (Winter 1989) Pages: 35-46
Date Published
1989
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Suicide rates within England and Wales, Scotland, and the Netherlands following detoxification of domestic gas supply formed the basis for an analysis of whether the coincident increase in suicide rates in Scotland and the Netherlands might have masked any effects of detoxification and whether detoxification resulted in a displacement to other methods of suicide.
Abstract
The overall suicide rate for each country, calculated as a percentage per million of the population, was compared with the rate of all non gas related suicides. Comparisons encompassed the different periods of detoxification in the three countries, generally during 1960 to 1975. Increase in poisoning by solid or liquid substances consequent to detoxification was taken as evidence of displacement. However, a general rise in all other forms of suicide was considered as a coincident. Analysis of the results showed that the smaller effects of detoxification on the overall suicide rate of Scotland and the Netherlands was masked by coincident increases in the tendency to commit suicide in these two countries. However, the evidence did not refute the alternative hypothesis that detoxification resulted in a displacement to other methods of suicide. The study concluded that further research into crime displacement and criminal innovation could be used to reduce criminal opportunities and thus prevent crime. Tables and 36 references. (Author Abstract modified)