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Homicide numbers in Scotland show slight rise | Homicide numbers in Scotland show slight rise |
(about 2 hours later) | |
There was a slight rise in the number of killings across Scotland last year, with 60 people losing their lives. | |
The latest official figures reveal homicides were at the third-lowest level since 1976. | The latest official figures reveal homicides were at the third-lowest level since 1976. |
The number of people killed has remained relatively stable recently, with a rise of just one last year. | |
The Scottish government said it was "working to ensure that victims' interests are at the heart of our criminal justice system". | The Scottish government said it was "working to ensure that victims' interests are at the heart of our criminal justice system". |
Overall, 44% of homicides involved a sharp instrument like knives, broken bottles, swords and screwdrivers. | Overall, 44% of homicides involved a sharp instrument like knives, broken bottles, swords and screwdrivers. |
The vast majority of victims were men who were killed by someone they knew. | The vast majority of victims were men who were killed by someone they knew. |
The highest number of homocides in the past 40 years was in 1988-89 when the figure of 355 included the 270 killed in the bombing of a plane over Lockerbie. | |
The lowest number of victims were in 2015-16 and last year. | |
Among women, 60% lost their lives at the hands of a partner or ex-partner. | Among women, 60% lost their lives at the hands of a partner or ex-partner. |
A total of 83 people were accused of homicide and 88% (73) of them were male. | |
Of the 60 cases of homicide recorded for 2018-19, the figures show 57 were solved and three remain unsolved. | |
Over the 10-year period from 2009-10 to 2018-19, the number of homicide cases in Scotland fell by 25% (20 cases) from 80 to 60. | |
Prevention work | |
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said the government was investing £18m a year in victim support services to help tackle the trauma experienced by those left behind. | Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said the government was investing £18m a year in victim support services to help tackle the trauma experienced by those left behind. |
He said: "While the number of homicides in Scotland is significantly lower than a decade ago - in line with the overall fall in crime - any death is one too many. | He said: "While the number of homicides in Scotland is significantly lower than a decade ago - in line with the overall fall in crime - any death is one too many. |
"We are determined to help people break free from cycles of violence. | "We are determined to help people break free from cycles of violence. |
"We will continue our efforts to drive down violent crime - both through supporting prevention work with people of all ages and ensuring Scotland's law enforcement agencies and courts have the resources to deal with those who harm others." | "We will continue our efforts to drive down violent crime - both through supporting prevention work with people of all ages and ensuring Scotland's law enforcement agencies and courts have the resources to deal with those who harm others." |