Sexual Homicide and Sexual Violence-Associated Homicide: Findings From the National Violent Death Reporting System

Abstract

Sexual violence is linked to homicide in a variety of ways. In this study the authors analyzed narratives that described the homicide circumstances of 285 homicide victims from 17 states who participated in the National Violent Death Reporting System during 2003-2007. The authors discuss a narrative analysis conducted using qualitative methods that revealed four categories of homicide linked to sexual violence, in addition to classic sexual homicide. In this article, the authors provide descriptions of the circumstances involved in sexual violence—related homicides, narrative examples of each type, and offer an expanded classification of these crimes. The analyses reveal specific types of homicide that are related to the perpetration of sexual violence, some of which have received little to no attention in the sexual violence or homicide literature. The study demonstrates the potential of the NVDRS as a strong data source for sexual homicides as well as other forms of homicide. Finally, the authors discuss implications for ongoing monitoring of homicides that are linked to sexual violence.