Child Homicide in Developed Countries

Abstract

Previous research has found that the United States has had atypically high rates of child homicide. This paper re-evaluates this and other findings using late 1980s data for 24 developed countries under current cause of death categories (and also includes the 5–14 years age group). The United States continues to have high homicide rates for the entire span of childhood. New Zealand also ranks high. Comparatively, in both countries male infants and females 1–4 years face greater risks of homicide, which is a major cause of death in certain age groups. Reporting artifacts are a possibility raised again by this study. Related issues are discussed empirically and using recent conceptual clarifications regarding family involvement and child abuse.