US Violent Crime Climbs for First Time Since 1993

Assaults increase 22%: Justice department
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 17, 2012 11:24 AM CDT
US Violent Crime Climbs for First Time Since 1993
In this photo taken Jan. 12, 2012 inmates are seen in a recreation yard at the Deuel Vocational Institution in Tracy, Calif.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

For the first time since 1993, America's violent crime rate has increased—thanks to an increased rate of assaults, CNN reports. Assaults climbed 22% last year, Justice department figures show; 2010 saw assaults at a record low. In 2011, assault victims accounted for 22.5 people per 1,000, compared to 19.3 the year before. Some 3.9 million attacks qualified as simple assaults, with no weapon and only minor injuries; 1.8 million were considered serious violent crime, including rape, sexual assault, aggravated assault, and robbery. The numbers of white, Hispanic, and young male victims in the serious assault group climbed, while numbers of blacks and young women did not. (More crime stories.)

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