HSG study on homicides by firearms shows that the origin of the weapons is often unclear

Over half of all homicides in Switzerland occur within family or partnership relationships. More than 70 per cent of the victims of these domestic acts of violence are women, and in around a third of cases, a pistol or a rifle is the murder weapon. These findings come from the Swiss Homicide Monitor, a survey of all intentional homicides in Switzerland since 1990.

In 2023, the Federal Office for Gender Equality (FOGE) commissioned an in-depth study of homicides involving firearms in the domestic sphere. The study looks at cases from 2015 to 2022 and is intended, among other things, to identify possible points where prevention can be applied. HSG Professor of Criminal Law Nora Markwalder conducted this study and provides information on it in the interview.

Nora Markwalder, what do you consider to be the key findings of the study?

Because we analysed the data with a focus on firearms for the first time, a pattern that had previously received little attention emerged. Firearm-related homicides in partnerships most often occur among older people. These are often cases in which men kill their wives after a long-term relationship because the women suffer from a serious illness. Motives such as compassion and feeling overwhelmed are at the forefront here. In 61 per cent of domestic firearms-related homicides, the perpetrators subsequently commit suicide. It is also important to note that in around 50 per cent of domestic homicides involving firearms, there is a lack of information as to whether the weapon was legally acquired.

Why is that?

In cases in which the perpetrator then kills himself, the authorities do not pursue any further investigations. This means that these cases are closed without any research being carried out into the origin and legality of the weapon. This is basically the correct procedure. Nevertheless, it would be desirable for the law enforcement authorities to obtain more precise information about the weapons in future.

What other patterns emerged from the data analysis?

Domestic homicides involving firearms are disproportionately often committed by older Swiss men. One reason for this may be that in the past more men did military service, after which they could acquire the service weapon. This possibility was also used much more frequently in the past than it is today, as we know from surveys. But as mentioned, it is unclear how often military weapons are used due to a lack of information on the origin of the weapons. If we only consider the cases for which information is available, then military weapons or service weapons were involved in 83 per cent of cases.

According to the study, there has been a significant decline in homicides involving firearms outside the home over the past 30 years, but only a slight decrease in homicides inside the home. Why is that?

In Switzerland, as in many other countries, there has been a general decline in crime during this period – and shootings outside the home are mostly committed in a criminal context, with victims being mostly male. At the same time, domestic shootings, which mostly involve female victims, have actually only fallen slightly since 1990. This shows, among other things, that state prevention in the private sphere is difficult.

One of the study's tasks was to outline recommendations for prevention. What do these look like?

We need a more in-depth analysis of cases involving older Swiss perpetrators in order to more accurately determine the dynamics and risk factors that favour the commission of an offence. This is also in view of the fact that in these cases, there were often no “classic”warning signs such as conflicts in the relationship or psychological stress apparent from the files. Prevention efforts should be increasingly directed at older persons, with stakeholders such as old people's homes, hospitals, Spitex home nursing services or relatives being made aware of the issue. Furthermore, in cases where there are warning signs, the possibility of the authorities confiscating the firearm should be examined. And as mentioned, more precise data collection on firearms used in crimes is recommended. Better data allows for a more accurate analysis of risk factors, which in turn can be used to develop prevention measures.

The complete study is available for download on the website of the EBG.