Publication

Unravelling the Homicide Drop: Disaggregating a 25-Year Homicide Trend in the Netherlands

This study assesses nationwide, disaggregated trends in homicide rates over a 25-year period. Using a unique, detailed dataset, spanning a quarter of a century of homicide data allowed Aarten & Liems to assess type-specific homicide trends and the relationship between gender and age within these trends.

Author: Pauline Aarten & Marieke Liem
Date: 18 June 2021
Links: Unravelling the Homicide Drop: Disaggregating a 25-Year Homicide Trend in the Netherlands

The Western homicide drop is a known fact, but the reasons behind the drop have so far mainly focused on macro explanations. In this study, Aarten & Liem argue that to understand the homicide drop, it is necessary to first explore whether the drop is general or specific. They do this by examining the subtypes of homicide together with perpetrator and victim demographic characteristics. This study seeks to describe the nature and scope of homicidal violence in the period 1992–2016 in the Netherlands, disaggregating by subtype of homicide, and perpetrator and victim gender constellation and age. In doing so, Aarten & Liem make use of the Dutch Homicide Monitor. Findings show that the Dutch homicide drop is significantly related to homicides resulting from disputes and robberies and intimate partner homicides. The gender constellation and age distribution in all homicide types are further explored. This study highlights the importance of disaggregating data by subtype in unravelling the homicide drop.