Homicide in the Nordic countries

Abstract

This article reviews and assesses previous studies of homicide in the Nordic countries and compares the main findings with those from other countries. In spite of the relative sparsity of data, the nature of the available information allows a reasonably reliable comparison to be made between different Nordic countries. Although findings from separate studies vary somewhat, some general trends have been noticed and seem to apply to most of the countries in question: in particular, changes that have occurred over the last 2 decades. Thus, all the Nordic countries have experienced an increase in homicide incidence during this period, and with some notable exceptions, this increase has been quite drastic. Certain other trends have been observed, such as the prominent role of alcoholism and drug abuse in homicide offences, as well as the relative increase in nondomestic offences. Homicide followed by suicide has decreased proportionately among males, whereas this trend has not occurred to the same extent among females, who are more frequently involved in domestic homicide. Methods of homicide have also varied somewhat during the last few decades. The case of homicide in Greenland is discussed separately in view of its special circumstances. Studies dealing with the various psychiatric and mental health problems related to homicide in the Nordic countries are discussed and a hypothesis is offered about possible sociocultural factors, in particular alcohol and drug abuse, that seem to be important.