Table 8
Homicides, by accused-victim relationship, Canada, 2012 and 2013

Table 8
Homicides, by accused-victim relationship, Canada, 2012 and 2013
Table summary
This table displays the results of Homicides. The information is grouped by Relationship type (victim killed by) (appearing as row headers), 2013, 2012 and Average 2003 to 2012, calculated using number of victims and percent units of measure (appearing as column headers).
Relationship typeNote 1 (victim killed by) 2013 2012Note r: revised Average 2003 to 2012
number of victims percentNote 2 number of victims percentNote 2 number of victims percentNote 2
Family relationship 126 32.8 145 35.3 150 33.4
Spousal relationship 44 11.5 62 15.1 69 15.4
Legal husband/wife 18 4.7 27 6.6 26 5.7
Common-law husband/wife 17 4.4 20 4.9 27 6.0
Separated or divorced husband/wife 3 0.8 11 2.7 11 2.4
Separated common-law husband/wifeNote 3 5 1.3 2 0.5 6 1.3
Same-sex spouseNote 4 1 0.3 2 0.5 1 0.2
Other family relationshipNote 5 82 21.4 83 20.2 81 18.0
Father or mother 19 4.9 26 6.3 28 6.2
Son or daughter 32 8.3 30 7.3 21 4.7
Sibling 11 2.9 7 1.7 10 2.2
Extended familyNote 6 20 5.2 20 4.9 22 4.9
Intimate relationshipNote 7 24 6.3 20 4.9 21 4.6
Acquaintance 149 38.6 158 38.1 158 35.0
Close friend 34 8.9 44 10.7 33 7.4
Neighbour 15 3.9 12 2.9 13 2.9
Authority figure 3 0.8 0 0.0 2 0.4
Business relationship (legal) 3 0.8 10 2.4 8 1.7
Casual acquaintance 94 24.5 92 22.4 102 22.7
Criminal relationshipNote 8 36 9.4 23 5.6 46 10.3
Stranger 49 12.8 65 15.8 74 16.4
Unknown relationship 2 Note ...: not applicable 4 Note ...: not applicable 4 Note ...: not applicable
Total solved homicidesNote 9 386 100.0 415 100.0 452 100.0
Unsolved homicides 119 Note ...: not applicable 128 Note ...: not applicable 143 Note ...: not applicable
Total homicides 505 Note ...: not applicable 543 Note ...: not applicable 595 Note ...: not applicable
... not applicable
r revised
Note 1.

Includes homicides with a known accused. If there were more than one accused, only the closest relationship to the victim was recorded.

Return to note 1 referrer

Note 2.

Solved homicides where the type of relationship was unknown are excluded from the calculation of percentages.

Return to note 2 referrer

Note 3.

Response categories for "separated common-law husband" and "separated common-law wife" were introduced to the Homicide Survey in 2005. As such, the average number and percent are calculated from 2005 to 2012.

Return to note 3 referrer

Note 4.

Includes current and former same-sex spouses.

Return to note 4 referrer

Note 5.

Includes biological, adopted, step and foster relationships.

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Note 6.

Includes nieces, nephews, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, cousins, in-laws, etc., related by blood, marriage (including common-law) or adoption.

Return to note 6 referrer

Note 7.

Includes dating relationships (current and former) and other intimate relationships.

Return to note 7 referrer

Note 8.

Includes, for example, sex workers, drug dealers and their clients, loan sharks, or gang members. When more than one relationship applies (e.g. criminal relationship and close friend), police are asked to report the primary relationship.

Return to note 8 referrer

Note 9.

Includes homicides with a known accused.

Return to note 9 referrer

Note: The sum of averages may not add up to the total average due to rounding. Percentages may not add up due to rounding. Figures prior to 2013 may differ from previously published figures due to ongoing updates to the data files as new information becomes available.
Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Homicide Survey.
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