475,000 murders globally; 83 cases in Ireland

Homicide third leading cause of death among males aged 15-44

Homicide is the third leading cause of death worldwide for males aged 15-44, while women and children are more likely to suffer from non-fatal violence, according to new statistics.

Globally, one in four children have been physically abused, one in five girls have been sexually abused, and one in three women have been the victim of physical and/or sexual violence from their partner at some point in their lives.

Approximately 475,000 people were murdered in 2012, though homicide rates have decreased by 16% since 2000.

In Ireland, there were 83 murders last year, with the highest number of homicides occurring in the Dublin metropolitan and Cavan/Monaghan regions.

There were 14,452 assaults in 2013, including threats to murder and attempted murder, and 2,021 sex offences.

In the 12-month period to June, 60 people were murdered, a 33% increase on the June 2012-June 2013 period — more than one murder every week.

The Global Status Report on Violence Prevention reflects data from 133 countries and is the first of its kind to assess national efforts to address interpersonal violence such as youth violence, sexual violence, and elder abuse.

Jointly published by the World Health Organisation, the UN’s Development Programme, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the report reviews violence prevention efforts worldwide.

It revealed only a third of the countries surveyed are implementing large-scale initiatives to prevent violence, and only half have services to protect and support victims.

Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organisation, said the effects of violence are extensive.

“The consequences of violence on families and communities are profound, and can result in lifelong ill health for those affected,” she said.

“Yet we know what works to prevent violence in our homes, schools and workplaces, and on our streets and playgrounds. We should take inspiration from governments which have demonstrated success in reducing violence by taking the steps needed. They have shown us that indeed violence is preventable.”

The report says half of countries are implementing school-based programmes to teach children and adolescents about non-violent conflict resolution, while a third are putting programmes in place to improve parenting in families most at risk.

However, less than a quarter of countries are developing public information campaigns to prevent elder abuse.

Helen Clark, of the UN Development Programme, said the report reveals gaps in global violence prevention, such as the quality and reach of programmes, the access to services for victims, particularly for women and girls, and the enforcement of existing laws.

The report also found 98% of countries have laws against rape, 87% have laws against domestic violence, and 84% have laws against carrying weapons in schools. However, only 40% of countries have laws against abuse in institutions for older people.

The report calls for an improved effort in violence prevention programmes worldwide, stronger legislation and enforcement of laws in the area, and enhanced services for victims of violence.It also advocates for better and more effective use of data to inform violence prevention programming and to measure progress.