Homicide Data in Europe: Definitions, Sources, and Statistics

In this chapter we address differing definitions on homicide, available data sources and the quality of the data. Apart from complications with translation‖the translation of the term “homicide” in another language does not necessarily cover the exact notion of homicide in the English context‖definitions of homicide between countries are different for various reasons. First, the notions of premeditated and intentional homicide are not everywhere used in the same way, and in particular intentional homicide is not in every country seen as an essential element of homicide as it is in the definition used for international data sources. Second, there are several “special” forms of homicide, such as euthanasia and abortion, that may or may not be part of the definition of homicide. For national data sources it is shown which elements are part of the homicide statistics and which elements could be included or excluded dependent on the definitions used by international data sources. The quality of homicide data is dependent on reliability and completeness. Whether to include attempted homicides is an important issue here; but the questions whether missing persons could be the victim of a homicide or whether the cause of death is correctly established are relevant. Also, the way statistical (counting) rules are applied have an impact on the results.