The Western homicide drop is a known fact, but the reasons behind the drop have so far mainly focused on macro explanations. In this study, we argue that to understand the homicide drop, it is necessary to first explore whether the drop is general or specific. We do this by examining the subtypes of homicide together with perpetrator and victim demographic characteristics. This study seeks to describe the nature and scope of homicidal violence in the period 1992–2016 in the Netherlands, disaggregating by subtype of homicide, and perpetrator and victim gender constellation and age. In doing so, we make use of the Dutch Homicide Monitor. Findings show that the Dutch homicide drop is significantly related to homicides resulting from disputes and robberies and intimate partner homicides. The gender constellation and age distribution in all homicide types are further explored. This study highlights the importance of disaggregating data by subtype in unravelling the homicide drop.

西方凶杀案数量下降是众所周知的事实，但到目前为止，下降背后的原因主要集中在宏观解释上。在这项研究中，我们认为要了解凶杀案的下降，有必要首先探讨下降是普遍的还是特定的。我们通过检查凶杀的亚型以及犯罪者和受害者的人口特征来做到这一点。本研究旨在描述 1992 年至 2016 年期间荷兰杀人暴力的性质和范围，按杀人的亚型、肇事者和受害者的性别分布和年龄进行分类。为此，我们利用了荷兰凶杀案监测系统。调查结果显示，荷兰凶杀案的下降与纠纷和抢劫以及亲密伴侣凶杀案导致的凶杀案显着相关。进一步探讨了所有凶杀类型的性别分布和年龄分布。这项研究强调了按亚型分类数据对于揭示凶杀案下降的重要性。