Homicide in New Zealand: an increasing public health problem

Injury purposely inflicted by other persons is a significant public health problem as well as a criminal problem. It accounts for approximately 3 per cent of all deaths from injury in New Zealand. National injury mortality data for the period 1978 to 1987, supplemented by reference to files of the Coroner's Court and the High Court, were used to identify the characteristics of victims of homicide, the nature of the injuries they sustained, and the circumstances in which the injuries were inflicted. The mortality rate from homicide for the 10-year period was 1.6 per 100,000 persons per year. A significant increase in the rate of homicide was identified. The rates for males were higher (2.0) than those for females (1.2), with those 20 to 24 years of age most at risk. Maori had higher rates than non-Maori. Homicides were most frequently committed with cutting and piercing instruments, and most commonly occurred in private homes. Homicides were most likely to occur on Fridays or Saturdays, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. In 55 per cent of homicides the victim and assailant were known to one another. Unemployment, membership of ethnic minority groups, availability of weapons, the private nature of interactions in the home, alcohol consumption, and stress in personal relationships were all identified as factors associated with homicide in the decade under study. The implications of these findings for the prevention of injury from assault are discussed.