The gender distribution of involvement in murders, both as perpetrators and victims, shows a significant disparity, with men accounting for the vast majority in both categories. A comprehensive global study conducted in 2013 by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime revealed clear patterns regarding gender and homicide.
Murder Perpetrators by Gender
Globally, men overwhelmingly constitute the majority of individuals convicted of homicide. The 2013 study found that:
- 95% of all persons convicted of homicide are men.
- This means that approximately 5% of those convicted of homicide are women.
This striking imbalance highlights the predominant role men play in committing murder on a global scale.
To illustrate this clearly, consider the following breakdown:
| Gender | Percentage of Convicted Perpetrators |
|---|---|
| Men | 95% |
| Women | 5% |
Murder Victims by Gender
Similarly, men are also disproportionately represented among victims of homicide. The same global study indicated that:
- Almost 8 out of 10 (approximately 80%) of all homicide victims are men.
- Conversely, women account for roughly 20% of homicide victims.
This indicates that while men are more likely to commit murders, they are also more frequently the victims.
A summary of victim statistics by gender is presented below:
| Gender | Percentage of Victims |
|---|---|
| Men | ~80% |
| Women | ~20% |
These statistics underscore a consistent global pattern where males are predominantly involved in homicide, both as those who commit the crimes and those who fall victim to them.
