Friday, 26 September 2025
A study examining more than 40 years of homicide trends has revealed generational, gendered, and racial inequalities.
The first detailed long-term study – from experts at the Universities of Nottingham, Warwick and Nottingham Trent – of homicide trends in England and Wales was presented at a research symposium at the Royal Society of Arts, London, on 22 September, in partnership with charity SAMM (Support After Murder and Manslaughter), and ahead of the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Homicide on 25 September.
Key findings of the study, Contemporary Long-Term Homicide Trends in England and Wales (1977–2019) include:
- Generational impact of politics: Those who grew up during the Thatcher era were at greater risk of homicide across their life course, showing how political and social contexts can shape vulnerability to violence.
- Racialised access to justice: Young Black male victims are disproportionately affected by homicide as they are less likely to have a suspect identified; even when suspects are identified, their cases are more likely to end in acquittal.
- Gendered patterns of violence: While women’s risk of homicide has declined over time, it remains overwhelmingly rooted in familial and intimate relationships. By contrast, men’s homicide risk has risen sharply over the last 40 years, especially among younger men, a trend that remains poorly understood and often overlooked.
Study Co-Investigator Stephen Farrall, Professor of Criminology in the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham, said:
Although murder is amongst the crimes most feared in many countries, it is still, at least in England & Wales, very uncommon. Our research suggests that homicide rates, however, are affected by longer-term social trends and social policies, especially those relating to women’s position in the economy.”
The symposium discussion panel brought together academics, policymakers, and NGOs, and included Claire Waxman OBE, the Victims’ Commissioner, and Dame Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner.
Dr Emily Gray, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick, and the study’s lead researcher, added: “Our research shows that homicide fluctuates alongside policy environments. Inequalities and wider social and cultural change all shape lethal violence. Some developments have saved lives, while others have made things worse. Governments, institutions, and communities have the power not only to reduce violence, but also to determine how its consequences are felt — particularly for families left behind.”
Claire Waxman OBE, added: “All too often, families bereaved by murder or manslaughter are made to feel that their needs are peripheral throughout the criminal justice process. I welcome that this symposium brings their lived experiences into sharp focus. Their insights and expertise, alongside data on long-term homicide trends, are essential to shaping a fairer, more trauma-informed justice system that centres the rights of victims and their families.”
The ESRC-funded study was led by Dr Emily Gray of the University of Warwick, in collaboration with Professor Stephen Farrall of the University of Nottingham, and Professor Andromachi Tseloni of Nottingham Trent University.
Story credits
More information is available from Professor Stephen Farrall in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, via stephen.farrall@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 97 in the world and 17th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
Nottingham was crowned Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024 – the third time it has been given the honour since 2018 – and by the Daily Mail University Guide 2024.
The university is among the best universities in the UK for the strength of our research, positioned seventh for research power in the UK according to REF 2021. The birthplace of discoveries such as MRI and ibuprofen, our innovations transform lives and tackle global problems such as sustainable food supplies, ending modern slavery, developing greener transport, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The university is a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally - and our graduates are the third most targeted by the UK's top employers, according to The Graduate Market in 2024 report by High Fliers Research.
We lead the Universities for Nottingham initiative, in partnership with Nottingham Trent University, a pioneering collaboration between the city’s two world-class institutions to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing for residents in the city and region we are proud to call home.
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