NCJ Number
122462
Date Published
1987
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Canadian statistics on homicide over time indicate that homicide victims are more likely to be killed by a family member or a friend rather than a stranger, and the death is more likely to occur in the victim's home than in a public place.
Abstract
For homicides in Canada in 1984, the extended family perpetrated 38.2 percent of them, and 50 percent were committed by friends. Strangers committed only 11.6 percent. Between 1974 and 1984, strangers committed 14.2 percent of the homicides. Apparently Canadians have even less reason to fear violent attacks from strangers today than in years past. In 1984, 46 percent of the homicides occurred in the victim's home, and 17.5 percent occurred in public places. Between 1974 and 1984, the percentage of homicides occurring in public places averaged 20.3 percent. Findings suggest that citizens are at greater risk in their own homes than walking in the park. Also, in 1984, 80 percent of the homicides in public places were at the hands of persons known to the victim; only 20.9 percent were committed by strangers. Contrary to public attitudes, Canadians have more to fear from those they know than from strangers.