HOMICIDE

While representing only a small fraction of overall crime, homicide is the most serious of all criminal offences. In 1989-90, there were 306 homicides, equivalent to 1.9 victims per 100,000 population. By 2006-07, there were 260 homicides, representing a decrease in the rate to 1.3 victims per 100,000 population, the lowest rate since the National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) began in 1989 (AIC 2008).

In 2006-07, men were more likely to be victims of homicide (1.8 victims per 100,000 population) than women (0.8 victims per 100,000 population) (AIC 2008).

Men were also more likely to commit homicide than women, with an offender rate of 2.3 offenders per 100,000 men in 2006-07, compared to an offender rate of 0.5 offenders per 100,000 women for women (AIC 2008).