Line chart of overall violent crime rate per 1,000 persons 1973-2003. Violent crime encompasses rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault. A period of stability existed between 1973 and 1977. Then, the violent crime rate increased to a peak in 1981 interrupted only by a 1-year decline in 1980. For the following 5 years until 1986, the rate decreased. From 1986 to 1993 the rate of violent crime increased to a level slightly below the 1981 peak. A decline in the violent crime rate began in 1994 and has continued through 2003 to the lowest level ever recorded. Between 1994 and 2003 violent crime rates declined about 55%.