NCJ Number
186847
Date Published
November 2000
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study examined the circumstances and characteristics of homicides involving friends and acquaintances in Australia, with emphasis on whether or not the category of friends and acquaintances is a homogeneous group.
Abstract
The research analyzed data on 1,017 homicides that involved friends and acquaintances and that took place between July 1989 and the end of June 1999; these homicides accounted for 28 percent of the homicides during the study period. The data came from the Australian Institute of Criminology’s National Homicide Monitoring Program. Results of the analysis revealed that the most significant factors relating to homicides among friends and acquaintances were that the homicide involved a single victim and a single offender, the offender was nearly always male, and victims were mostly male. In addition, most took place in a residential location, alcohol was usually present, and often both the victim and the offender had been drinking. The preferred weapon was a knife or other sharp implement. Most victims died as a result of an altercation or dispute that was precipitated by alcohol or that focused on bad debts, drug supply and demand, or some other type of argument. Findings also indicated that the category of friends and acquaintances should be considered two separate types of victim-offender relationships so that research will not mask the distinctive features of the victim-offender relationship of friends. Making this distinction may also ensure that the formation of policies aimed at preventing lethal violence will be properly informed. Tables and 33 references