NCJ Number
95739
Journal
American Journal of Epidemiology Volume: 117 Issue: 4 Dated: (1984) Pages: 419-428
Date Published
1983
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Homicide is one of the five leading causes of death of all persons 1-44 years of age. Over half of the homicides occurring in 1979 did not involve the perpetration of another crime. The authors have defined these as primary homicides and suggest that these deaths require the formulation of public health and social services prevention strategies.
Abstract
An epidemiologic assessment of primary homicides in the United States for 1976 through 1979 showed the following. Sixty percent of primary homicides were male victim/male offender events; 40% involved a female as a victim and/or as an offender. Three per cent of primary homicides were female victim/female offender events; 97% involved a male as a victim and/or as an offender. Primary homicides involving female victims or offenders were more frequently intrafamilial than those involving males, but rates of intrafamilial homicides by males were greater than those involving females. The preponderance of all primary homicides occurred between acquaintances, but the relationship between victim and offender varied with age, sex, and race. The weapons used varied with the victim's and offender's age, sex, and race, and with the relationship between victim and offender. Based on the described patterns, prevention measures should be divided into three broad areas: intrafamilial violence, extrafamilial violence, and male patterns of aggression. Key target populations for the first area include females, rural households, and the very young or very old. A Key target population for the second area is teenage males. Tabular and graphic data footnotes, and 26 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)