Table 2 Circumstances and toxicology of violence-related deaths reported to a coroner among justice-involved young people
Frequency (n) | Proportion (%) | |
|---|---|---|
CIRCUMSTANCES OF DEATH (n = 36) | ||
Events preceding the fatal violent event | ||
Being involved in a physical or verbal altercation | 14 | 39 |
Relationship breakdown or argument with partner | < 5 | < 14 |
Deceased was involved in a crime | < 5 | < 14 |
Not reported | 15 | 42 |
Use of weapon | ||
Assault with a knife | 17 | 47 |
Assault with another weapon | 6 | 17 |
Bodily force | 6 | 17 |
Firearm | < 5 | < 14 |
Not reported | 6 | 17 |
Number of perpetrators of violence | ||
One | 27 | 75 |
Two | < 5 | < 14 |
Not reported | 5 | 14 |
Relationship of perpetrator to deceased1 | ||
Friend or acquaintance | 8 | 23 |
Current or former intimate partner | 8 | 23 |
Stranger/unknown to deceased | 5 | 14 |
Family member | < 5 | < 14 |
Not reported | 13 | 37 |
Location of violent incident | ||
Road/street/parking area | 14 | 39 |
Other person’s private residence | 12 | 33 |
Deceased’s usual place of residence | 8 | 22 |
Other (water/commercial area) | < 5 | < 14 |
Day of violent incident | ||
Friday | 9 | 25 |
Sunday | 7 | 19 |
Saturday | 5 | 14 |
Monday-Thursday | 10 | 28 |
Not reported | 5 | 14 |
TOXICOLOGY (n = 23) | ||
Violence-related deaths with available toxicology reports | 23 | 100 |
At least one substance detected | 22 | 96 |
Cannabis | 16 | 70 |
Alcohol | 15 | 65 |
Other substances2 | 10 | 43 |
Multiple substances detected | 16 | 70 |
Alcohol and cannabis | 9 | 39 |
Multiple substances (excluding alcohol) | 6 | 26 |