Related Experiment Videos
Who kills whom in Portugal?
E F de Castro1, F Pimenta, I Martins
1Miguel Bombarda Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|February 1, 1991
Summary
This study compared profiles of murderers, homicide victims, and suicide victims in Portugal (1970-1987). Murderer and homicide victim profiles showed correlations, while murderer and suicide victim profiles shared occupational links, suggesting distinct relationships.
Area of Science:
- Criminology
- Forensic Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Understanding the profiles of individuals involved in violent crime is crucial for prevention and intervention strategies.
- Previous research has explored characteristics of offenders and victims, but direct comparative analyses are less common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the demographic and social correlations between convicted murderers and their victims.
- To investigate the relationship between convicted murderers and suicide victims.
- To identify trends in these relationships over time.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of demographic data (age, marital status, occupation) for convicted murderers, homicide victims, and suicide victims in Portugal.
- Longitudinal analysis of trends from 1970 to 1987.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations were identified between the age group, marital status, and occupation of murderers and homicide victims.
- A correlation was found between murderers and suicide victims based on occupation.
- Post-1983 trends indicated an increase in younger, single murderers and older homicide victims.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest distinct profiles and relationships between murderers and homicide victims compared to murderers and suicide victims.
- Alcoholism may link murderers and suicide victims, while interpersonal conflicts often drive homicide.
- Emerging trends indicate a potential shift towards financially motivated, colder killings, possibly linked to drug addiction.