Indicator technical specifications
The information below provides technical specifications for the summary indicator data presented in the quick reference guide.
National Framework Indicator 0.5 Child Homicide: Assault (homicide) death rate for children aged 0–17 years
|
Definition |
Data source |
Numerator |
Number of deaths of children aged 0–17 years from assault in the reference period |
Australian Institute of Criminology National Homicide Monitoring Program (NHMP) |
Denominator |
Number of children aged 0–17 years at 31 December |
AIHW Population Database (sourced from ABS Australian Demographic Statistics) |
Explanatory notes
There are two key sources of data for the NHMP: offence records derived from each state/territory police service, supplemented where necessary with information provided directly by investigating police officers and/or associated staff; and state coronial records such as toxicology and post-mortem reports.
The term homicide refers to a person killed (unlawfully). Homicide is defined by the criminal law of each state and territory, and varying definitions exist between jurisdictions in terms of its degree, culpability and intent.
The definition of homicide in the NHMP reflects the operational definition used by police throughout Australia. Excluded from this definition are attempted murder and violent deaths, such as industrial accidents involving criminal negligence (unless a charge of manslaughter is laid). Lawful homicide, including that by police in the course of their duties, is also excluded.
Due to the small number of homicide deaths, reported data are aggregated for a two-year period.