Differences in definitions of violent crime make international comparisons problematic. Besides these differences, recorded crime figures are likely to be affected by rates at which crimes are reported to, and recorded by, the police; differences in the point at which crime is recorded; differences in the rules when counting multiple offenses by individuals; and changes in data quality over time. The definition of violent crime for New Zealand has been adapted to reflect equivalent offenses to those contained within other country’s definitions. In accordance with the American definition of violent crime, the rate of total recorded violent crime for America in 2000 was 506.1 per 100,000, almost four times the rate of 132.6 for New Zealand. In accordance with the Australian definition of violent crimes, the rate of total recorded violent crime for Australia was 941.9 per 100,000 population, with New Zealand’s rate 10 percent higher than that of Australia. In accordance with the English and Welsh definition of violent crime, the rates of total recorded violent crime for England was 1,390 per 100,000 population, and for Wales was 1,392 per 100,000 population. New Zealand’s total recorded violent crime was 13 percent lower than both England’s and Wales’ rates of violent crime. In accordance with the Canadian definition of violent crime, the rate of total recorded violent crime for Canada was 981.7 per 100,000 population, with New Zealand’s rate nearly 44 percent lower than that for Canada. 10 tables, appendix