A cross sectional study of socio-demographic factors, crime characteristics and psychiatric morbidity in violent offenders

Abstract

Introduction: Homicide and attempt to murder are unique and serious violent offences. These serious offences have a huge impact on society. But there are a very few studies available in India to understand the psychiatric morbidity and the profile of these offenders. Hence the need for present study. Aim: To study the various socio-demographic factors, crime characteristics and psychiatric morbidity in violent offenders. Materials and Methods: It is a cross sectional study conducted at the central prison, Hyderabad. Study sample includes 60 violent offenders involved in serious crimes like murder (IPC SEC 302), attempt to murder (IPC SEC 307) and others. Results and Conclusions: Although certain characteristics stood out, it is important to note that violent crime is multi-factorial, complex and embraces several theories. With that stated, the purpose of this study was mainly to be able to produce one or more profiles of offenders convicted of murder, attempted murder, in Telangana. The common profile which emerged was persons of young age, low education, married, low socio economic status, and rural background, unemployed with no criminal background, committed crime under intoxication, perpetrated due to provocation by other person and impulsive due to domestic reasons. It is remarkable to know that no one had other psychiatric disorders apart from substance dependence and intoxication at the time of commission of crime. o more awareness programs and campaigns regarding influence of alcohol on the crimes, can be conducted with the help of Police, Government, Private organisations and media, especially in vulnerable and at risk population for crime, which would indirectly decrease alcohol intake in the vulnerable population and decrease crime rate. Keywords: Crime, Prisoners, Violence, Offenders, Victims, Psychopathology.