NCJ Number
176497
Journal
Journal of Aggression Volume: ltreatment and Trauma Issue: Dated: Pages: 1 (1997)-205
Date Published
1997
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study obtained data on the deaths of 0- to 14-year-olds that were classified as homicides by the Los Angeles Police Department from 1980 to 1989, with attention to suspect-victim relationship and victim race/ethnicity.
Abstract
The police records examined contained information about the victim, the suspect, and the homicide incidents. Data collected included the sex, race/ethnicity, and age of the victim; the sex race/ethnicity, and age of the suspect; the relationship of the suspect to the victim; the context of the homicide; and the motive. Family members were suspects in 49.8 percent of the cases (mother, 14.5 percent; father, 13.6 percent; mother's paramour, 8.5 percent; male and female caretaker, 11.1 percent; other family members, 2.1 percent). Few differences emerged among the black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white child victims. Non- Hispanic white victims had the highest proportion (67.7 percent), and Hispanic victims had the lowest proportion (42.7 percent) of within-family suspects. Prevention implications include the need to focus on the actions of male caregivers and the observation that the substance and content of prevention programs (e.g., an emphasis on reducing blunt force trauma to young children) can be consistent across race/ethnic groups. 6 tables, 2 notes, and 28 references