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Trends in homicide in Wisconsin, 1985-1998.
R Insinga1, C Her, J Schwamman
1University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Preventive Medicine, WARF Building, Room 753, 610 Walnut St, Madison, WI 53705-2397, USA. rpinsinga@students.wisc.edu
Summary
Wisconsin homicide rates increased significantly but have recently declined, though not enough to meet year 2000 goals. Reductions in Wisconsin homicides lagged behind national trends.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Criminology
Background:
- Homicide trends are a key public health concern.
- Monitoring state-specific homicide rates is crucial for targeted interventions.
- National and state health objectives aim to reduce violent crime.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Wisconsin's homicide trends from 1985 to 1998.
- To evaluate progress toward the year 2000 health objective for homicide reduction.
- To compare Wisconsin's trends with national homicide data.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Centers for Disease Control's Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS).
- Analyzed homicide data for Wisconsin and the US covering the period 1985-1998.
- Compared homicide rates across different demographic groups (White, Black) and time points.
Main Results:
- Wisconsin experienced a 54% rise in homicide rates between 1985 and 1995, followed by a significant decrease.
- By 1998, Wisconsin rates were 15% above 1985 levels, while US rates fell 12% below 1985 levels.
- In 1998, Wisconsin homicide rates decreased by 24% for Whites but increased by 16% for Blacks compared to 1985.
Conclusions:
- Wisconsin did not achieve its year 2000 homicide reduction objective, with rates over 80% higher than the goal.
- Despite a current rate half the US average, Wisconsin's recent homicide reductions have lagged behind national progress.
- Disparities in homicide trends were observed between racial groups within Wisconsin.