Homicide rates in Finland show significant decline over the past decade

By admin On Aug 16, 2024

One of the men accused of murder (center) during the trial of a homicide that took place in December 2023 in Lahti, at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on July 9, 2024. LEHTIKUVA

A recent report from the University of Helsinki’s Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy reveals a downward trend in homicide rates across Finland, with a nearly 25% reduction in the homicide rate from 2009 to 2022.

The study, titled “Homicide Review,” highlights a decrease from 1.8 to 1.4 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants over the 13-year period.

This decline is most evident in cases involving male victims, while the rate of violence against women has remained relatively stable. Despite this positive trend, the report notes that the decline in homicides has plateaued somewhat in recent years, although fresh data from Statistics Finland indicates a further 23% drop in homicides last year.

Patterns in Homicide Cases

The review points out that most homicides in Finland occur in private residences, often between men who are known to each other and under the influence of alcohol. A kitchen knife is the most common weapon used in these crimes, with both the victim and perpetrator typically intoxicated at the time of the incident. Over the study period, 65% of homicide cases involved both parties being intoxicated, while at least one party was under the influence in 78% of cases.

Men are overwhelmingly both the perpetrators and victims in these incidents. The report shows that the number of male victims decreased from an average of 70 per year between 2009 and 2015 to 52 per year between 2016 and 2022. In contrast, the number of female victims saw only a slight decrease, from 29 to 25 annually over the same periods.

Youth Involvement in Homicides Remains Low

Despite public concern about youth violence, the study finds that homicides involving young people, either as perpetrators or victims, have decreased over the past 20 years and remain relatively rare. When such cases do occur, they often involve victims who use drugs, are exposed to criminal environments, or are attacked in public places, particularly in situations involving alcohol.

The report calls for further research into youth homicides, particularly to better understand how these cases differ from more typical homicides in Finland. It also emphasizes the need to focus on the connections between drug use, the drug market, and violence, and to improve substance abuse and healthcare services to mitigate these negative impacts.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic has also influenced homicide patterns. The report notes an increase in homicides occurring in victims’ homes during the pandemic and the subsequent years (2020–2022) compared to 2018. Conversely, homicides in public places decreased during the pandemic but have since risen as society has reopened.

The “Homicide Review” was conducted as part of the Homicide Monitoring System, maintained in collaboration with the Finnish National Police Board. This system continues to track trends and provide insights into the factors contributing to changes in Finland’s homicide rates.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi