NCJ Number
177939
Journal
Homicides Studies Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Dated: May 1999 Pages: 151-169
Date Published
1999
Length
19 pages
Annotation
An analysis of 30,929 California homicides (including 1,498 homicides of children younger than age 15) revealed important differences in child and adult risk factors for homicide victimization.
Abstract
Data were taken from California's Supplemental Homicide Reports for 1981 through 1990. To explore differences in child and adult risk patterns, 1,498 child homicides (younger than 15 years old) were sorted into four age categories: infants (younger than 1 year old); toddlers and preschoolers (1 to 4 years old); primary schoolers (5 to 9 years old); and middle schoolers (10 to 14 years old). For each age group, the data were broken down by relevant variables to determine the risk factors for child homicide. Findings show that adult homicide victims and offenders were predominantly male blacks or Hispanics; child victims and offenders were closer in race and sex composition to the general population. Adults were most likely to be killed by a stranger or acquaintance; whereas, children were most likely to be killed by a relative. Adult homicides peaked during the night and on weekends; child homicides were most likely to occur at mid-day and mid-week. Most adult homicides occurred in public, precipitated by a felony or a dispute; most child homicides occurred at home, precipitated by child abuse or homicide- suicide. This divergence both of age and risk factors suggests the need for age-specific approaches to the prevention of child homicide. 5 tables, 1 figure, and 51 references