ABSTRACT
This chapter uses data on homicides to gain insight into violence. Studies of homicide are a rich source of data as the events tend to be reported in considerable detail.
The first part of the chapter reviews a number of studies that have examined the circumstances in which homicides occur in some detail. Several useful perspectives are suggested by analysis of these studies. One striking fact is that men are the perpetrators in the overwhelming majority of cases. Other important facts to emerge are that the largest categories of homicide are firstly those that occur within the context of either sexual or family relationships, and secondly, those that involve so-called confrontational violence between men (ie, disputes that ‘flare up’, often over seemingly minor matters). The second part of this chapter focuses on understanding the phenomenon of violence (and particularly murder) occurring in the context of confrontation and ‘rage’. The third part of the chapter explores the possibility that some individuals are more prone to these rage reactions, and that these reactions can be understood within the context of their life histories and personalities. The fourth part of the chapter explores the circumstances of female violence. It is notable that not only are there far fewer such incidents involving female violence, but also the pattern of offences is different.
