NCJ Number
178474
Journal
Homicide Studies Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: August 1999 Pages: 215-240
Date Published
1999
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study contributes to the scant extant literature on spousal homicides in non-Western societies through the analysis of 29 spouse homicides that occurred in Fiji over an 11-year period (from January 1, 1982, to December 31, 1992).
Abstract
The primary source of homicide data was the Murder and Manslaughter Register of the Fiji Police Force. This register contains a chronological listing of homicide cases reported to the police annually, summary data on the demographic and social characteristics of homicide offenders and victims, victim- offender relationships, the spatial and temporal location of the homicide, circumstances surrounding the homicide, the motive of the slayer, the method of killing, the disposition of the case and sentence length, and the date of final resolution of the case in the courts. Additional data were collected through semistructured interviews with police and other criminal justice personnel who have direct contact with homicide perpetrators, suspects, witnesses, and survivors. Consistent with findings from other studies on homicide, the great majority of victims of spouse slayings in Fiji were female. In Fiji, uxoricides (husband killing his wife) typically occurred in the context of husbands' attempts to punish wifely infractions against patriarchal marital mores, particularly those that regulate female sexuality. These norms include bridal virginity and wifely fidelity. Infringement against the mores of bridal virginity and wifely fidelity are grave offenses in Hindu and Muslim culture and bring immense dishonor on the errant individuals and their families. When compared to their distribution in the Fiji population, the data show that a disproportionate percentage of marital homicides were committed by and against Fiji Indians. Among the Fiji Indians, marriage is arranged by elder family members, with little or no voice given to the parties involved. Following the wedding ceremony, the bride resides with the groom's family. She is then expected to assume the role of a dutiful, respectful wife, daughter-in-law, and sister-in-law. Daily tensions in such households create strains between husbands and wives as well as between in-laws. Over time, such strains can spawn deadly violence. 12 notes and 89 references