NCJ Number
97463
Date Published
1985
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This examination of the rate and pattern of violent crime in America as well as public apprehension about it found that the rate of violent crime has increased in the last 13 years to an extremely high level when compared with similar nations, and public concern about it has remained high as well.
Abstract
The patterns of crime and public attitudes toward it have not changed significantly since the 1969 report of the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence. During the 1960's, the rates of all types of violent crimes increased. The rate increases during the 1960's continued throughout the 1970's, both in the Nation as a whole and in each of its four regions. National Crime Survey data differ somewhat from the corresponding Uniform Crime Report statistics on trends in criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. However, both sources show that the level is unacceptably high. Demographic statistics consistently show that violent crimes have been committed mostly by young male members of socially, economically, and politically disadvantaged minority groups. Victims were likely to have similar characteristics and were usually alone when the act occurred. One-third of the victims were injured, and victims often provoked or resisted the offenses. A substantial proportion of violent offenses were committed by a small number of offenders. Historical data consistently show that the United States has levels of criminal violence that are the highest among nations similar to it in culture and history. Fifty notes are supplied. For the full volume, see NCJ 97462.