NCJ Number
190958
Date Published
June 2001
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Based on a review of relevant research, this paper identifies the categories of homicide that are likely to be reduced through various strategic preventive measures in Australia.
Abstract
The categories of homicide discussed are intimate partner homicide, alcohol-related homicide, and organized crime/drug/gang-related homicide. A domestic-violence project in South Australia, called the NDV (No Domestic Violence) project, is patterned after a project in the United Kingdom. The British project reduced repeat victimization, reduced the number of police domestic-violence calls to the same residence, identified and reduced the number of chronic offenders, and encouraged women to request assistance. Given the fact that intimate partners account for at least 20 percent of homicide victims and perpetrators in Australia, such projects have the potential of reducing the incidence of homicide. The relationship between alcohol use and homicide is well-established. There is considerable research which shows a relationship between the presence of a licensed premises that serves alcoholic beverages and violence in the surrounding area. This paper suggests ways in which the operation, monitoring, and surveillance of such premises can help reduce alcohol-related crime committed by patrons of the premises. Regarding homicides that stem from organized crime/drug/gang-related homicide, efforts that reduce criminals' access to firearms and undermine drug-trade violence can help reduce homicides in such criminal endeavors. Finally, improvements in homicide investigations can have a deterrent effect, since an increase in homicide clearance rates will indicate to potential killers that more than likely they will be caught and punished should they commit the crime. 37 notes