Title: Violence Info – Homicide
Headings: Homicide
Homicide
Definition
Homicide rate by year
Homicide rate by sex
Homicide rate by age
Homicide rate
Studies of homicide consequences
Studies of homicide risk factors
Examples of strategies and interventions

Content: Violence Info – Homicide
Homicide
WHO Global Health Estimates (2015 update)
Definition
Homicide is the killing of a person by another with intent to cause death or serious injury, by any means. It excludes death due to legal intervention and operations of war. Homicide rate by year
Per 100 000 population
7.8
7.0
6.7
6.4
2000
2005
2010
2015
Homicide rate by sex
Per 100 000 population, 2015
2.4
10.3
Female
Male
Homicide rate by age
Per 100 000 population, 2015
1.6
10.4
9.1
5.6
4.7
0-14
15-29
30-44
45-59
60+
Homicide rate
In 2015 an estimated 470 000 people worldwide were victims of homicide (global rate of 6.4 per 100 000). Rates in high-income countries/areas are generally lower than rates in low- and middle-income countries/areas. Some 80% of homicides occur in males and the highest rates are in males aged 15–29 years. Estimates are not calculated for countries with populations under 90 000 in 2015 or WHO non-Member States. The countries/areas in each WHO region can be found here. African Region
Eastern Mediterranean Region
European Region
Region of the Americas
South-East Asia Region
Western Pacific Region
10.3
6.5
3.3
18.6
4.0
1.7
By country/area
By WHO region
Size: Homicide rate
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Studies of homicide consequences
Beyond its direct impact, homicide has serious negative effects on the lives of surviving family members, particularly children. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, aggression, guilt and a heightened sense of vulnerability.