When Men Murder Women: An Analysis of 2000 Homicide Data

Females Murdered by Males in Single Victim/Single Offender Incidents

South Carolina

46 females were murdered by males in South Carolina in 2000

The homicide rate among females murdered by males in South Carolina was 2.23 per 100,000 in 2000

Ranked 3rd in the United States

Age

Four female homicide victims (9 percent) were less than 18 years old and 3 victims (7 percent) were 65 years of age or older. The average age was 37 years old.

Race

Out of 46 female murder victims, 1 was American Indian, 13 were black, and 32 were white.

Most Common Weapons

For homicides in which the weapon used could be identified, 59 percent of female victims (26 out of 44) were shot and killed with guns. Of these, 62 percent (16 victims) were killed with handguns. There were 4 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, 5 females killed by a blunt object, and 5 females killed by bodily force.

Victim/Offender Relationship

For homicides in which the victim to offender relationship could be identified, 93 percent of female victims (40 out of 43) were murdered by someone they knew. Three female victims were killed by a stranger. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 78 percent (31 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 31 female intimates murdered, 61 percent (19 victims) were killed with guns; 47 percent of these (9 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.

Circumstance

For homicides in which the circumstances could be identified, 82 percent (36 out of 44) were not related to the commission of any other felony. Of these, 83 percent (30 homicides) involved arguments between the victim and offender.

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The Violence Policy Center is a national non-profit educational foundation that conducts research on violence in America and works to develop violence-reduction policies and proposals. The Center examines the role of firearms in America, conducts research on firearms violence, and explores new ways to decrease firearm-related death and injury.

All contents � 2002 Violence Policy Center