NCJ Number
82967
Date Published
1981
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes 67 cases of homicide and 1,259 cases of serious assault committed in South Australia during the 3 years ended Dec. 31, 1980, that came to the attention of the police.
Abstract
The 67 cases included 61 murder cases and 6 nonnegligent manslaughters. The rate of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter for the year ended June 30, 1981, was 1.23 per 100,000 of the general population. A total of 94 percent of the homicides were cleared by police. The annual incidence of murder in South Australia has shown no discernible trend over the past decade. For every incident of homicide in South Australia, there are approximately 6 suicides and 14 traffic deaths. Approximately half of all murders and attempted murders recorded during the 3 years were committed by firearms. Only 9 percent of all homicides were committed by strangers to the victim. Marital, de facto, or intimate relationships gave rise to 39 percent of all homicides, while other family ties provided the context for an additional 15 percent. A total of 60 percent of homicide victims and an estimated 90 percent of homicide offenders/suspects were male. Aboriginal people comprised about 13 percent of homicide offender/suspects and at least 10 percent of homicide victims. About 25 percent of those charged with homicide and 40 percent of those charged with nonfatal assaults were unemployed at the time of the offense. Recommendations are offered to reduce the level of violence in South Australia. Tables and reference notes are given. (Author summary modified)