Death by Homicide in Italy, 1980–94: Age and Gender Differences among Victims

Abstract

To investigate the role of sociodemographic factors in the risk of death by homicide in Italy, official statistics from 1980 to 1994 concerning death by homicide have been studied. Homicide rates increase from 1980 to 1994 for males and, to a much lesser extent, for females. Clear differences exist by age and gender, with rates peaking in both genders at young adult age (25-34) and men having five times higher rates than women. Mean rate in the general population is 1.98 per 100,000, one of the highest rates in the civilized world. These findings are mostly influenced by higher homicide rates for both males and females in southern regions, where cultural attitudes towards violence, linked to the greater diffusion of criminal organizations, greatly influence the risk of death by homicide. About 75% of homicides involve firearms: clearly in Italy availability of lethal weapons is a key factor in homicide. Intervention aimed at increasing community awareness of the causes and methods of prevention of violence (including the roles of substance abuse and social inequality) are needed if adequate policies are to be developed to reduce the risk of death by homicide. Differences in homicide rates across countries clearly indicate that homicide is a preventable cause of death.

Suicidal and homicidal deaths: A comparative and circumstantial approach

“…26,29 In present series too, most of the victims were male with peak age 21-30 years in suicide and 31-40 years in homicide. This differs from other studies, which report highest number in over 60's age group in suicides 13,14 and over 40's age group in homicides 18,19 .…”

Forensic and criminologic aspects of murder in North-West (Epirus) Greece

“…6 The most common method for homicide was the use of firearms, which showed similar findings to other research evidence. 12 However, the second more common method for homicide was the use of multiple instruments, both stabbing and cutting injuries and the use of firearms, using extreme force by the perpetrator. In other countries, such as New Zealand 9,13 the most common method of killing was blunt and sharp force trauma included both stabbing and cutting injuries.…”

“…For instance, firearms are considered to be very uncommon in Eastern countries because of the strict law relating to the possession of the weapon and religious matters, whereas this rule does not apply in all over the world including Europe. 12 The geographical area of the city of Ioannina also plays an important role because of the increase number of refugees and the easy access to firearms.…”

Victims of homicidal deaths – An analysis of variables

“…Study in Auckland, 7 Newfoundland 10 and Nagpur, India 11 showed similar findings but in contrast to the findings of others. 4,[12][13][14] This depressed may be because of the availability and choice of the weapon used in a different societies and cultures. Firearms are very uncommon in India because of the strict law relating to the possession of the weapon.…”