Victim-offender overlap in violent crime among youth: comparing homicide and attempted homicide victims

• In Event: Homicide in Europe

Abstract

Prior research highlights the persistence of violence across the life-course and the overlap between victims and offenders in violent crime. However, few studies have systematically examined how victims of lethal violence differ from victims of non-lethal violence. This study investigates the dynamics of severe violence among youth and young adults (10–29 years old) by comparing the criminal histories and victimization experiences of homicide victims (n=57), attempted homicide victims (n=418), and controls matched to homicide victims (n=285). Using administrative data from Finland, we analyze these three groups, focusing on differences in prior victimization, such as the age of first recorded violent victimization and the victim-offender relationship. In parallel, we examine criminal histories, including violent crimes, property crimes, and substance-related offenses, and analyze whether the age of offending onset differs across the groups. By identifying key differences between victims of lethal and non-lethal violence, this study contributes to understanding the dynamics of severe violence among youth and informs targeted strategies for violence prevention and intervention.

Authors

• Karoliina Suonpää, University of Helsinki

• Maiju Tanskanen, University of Helsinki

• Anna Raeste, University of Helsinki

• Kaisla Saartenoja, University of Helsinki

• Janne Kivivuori, University of Helsinki