This paper aims to shed light on certain characteristics of adult perpetrators of violent crimes. The analysis is based on empirical data collected from the court files of N=1117 cases that were concluded in the criminal departments of municipal courts in Osijek, Rijeka, Split, and Zagreb during the period from 2017 to 2021. The findings reveal that the majority of violent offenders in the Republic of Croatia are men (93.6%) compared to women (5.6%), with an average age of 39 years. Most perpetrators had completed secondary education (62%), while 5.5% had higher education. At the time of the crime, 45.5% of perpetrators were employed, with a significant portion earning below the average income of 51.9%. Half of the offenders were in a union (either marital or extramarital) during the crime, and the majority had one or two children, with 34.1% being childless. Domestic violence constituted the most prevalent form of violence (58%) during this period. In many instances, the victim and perpetrator were in a romantic relationship (36%). Motives such as jealousy, revenge, and greed were commonly identified. The methods of violence included acts like cutting with sharp objects, throwing items, hair pulling, as well as child neglect and violations of sexual integrity. A notable 34% of perpetrators were found to be under the influence of alcohol during the commission of the crime, while 8% were under the influence of drugs. Furthermore, 20% of the perpetrators had prior convictions for violent crimes. Understanding these characteristics can assist in the prevention of violent behavior by identifying relevant risk factors.

violence, perpetrator of violent crimes, motive, genetic and environmental predisposition