A violent crime is an offence involving the exercise of violence, or the threat of violence, against another person. The exercise of violence against things is not considered here. This subject is covered in «Damage to property» under the headings «Offences» or «Property».
Offences can be divided into different categories according to the nature and seriousness of the crime. A rough distinction is made between serious violent crime and moderately violent crime.
Offences are considered to be:
Serious violent crime (perpetrated): Intentional homicide, murder, manslaughter, infanticide, grievous bodily harm, violent robbery (Art. 140 No. 4 SCC), hostage taking, rape.
Moderately violent crime (perpetrated, in some cases threatened violence): Simply bodily harm, assault, participation brawl, participation attack, violent robbery (art. 140 para. 1-3), extortion (art. 156 para. 3), coercion, false imprisonment and abduction, false imprisonment and abduction: aggravating circumstances, indecent assault, violence and threats against public authorities and public officials.
Moderately violent crime (threatened violence): Threatening behaviour, extortion (Art. 156 para. 1, 2 and 4)
