Elder homicide in the north of Portugal

• Published in: Journal of forensic and legal medicine 2010-10, Vol.17 (7), p.383-387
• Main Authors: Coelho, Luís, MD, Ribeiro, Teresa, MD, Dias, Ricardo, MD, Santos, Agostinho, MD PhD, Magalhães, Teresa, MD PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Casualties; Crime Victims - statistics & numerical data; Culture; Elder Abuse - statistics & numerical data; Elder homicide; Female; Homicide - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Life Expectancy; Male; Medical–legal autopsy; Murders & murder attempts; Older people; Pathology; Portugal; Portugal - epidemiology; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Theft - statistics & numerical data; Violence
• ISSN: 1752-928X; 1878-7487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2010.05.010

Abstract Introduction The increasing average life expectancy leads to population aging, and growing numbers in the elder population, a population that suffers from great vulnerability. Therefore, a rise in elder homicide is expected. This phenomenon has not been thoroughly described in Portugal. This study aims to analyse and characterize elder homicide, in order to achieve a better understanding of this form of violence. Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective study, reviewing autopsy reports along with data regarding circumstances of death of suspected homicides occurring between 1992 and 2007 ( n  = 78), whose victims were 65 years old or above, autopsied in the medical–legal services of the north of Portugal. Results During this period, an overall of 615 suspected homicides occurred, 13% being perpetrated against elders. The age range of the victims was 65–96 years, with an average of 74 years; 58% of them were males and 45% were married. In 61% of the documented cases, the perpetrator was known to the victim, and a family member in 36%. A considerable number of deaths occurred at the victim’s residence and in a rural scenario, the motive being robbery in 51% of the documented cases. The supposed perpetrator ran away from the scene in 64% of the cases. The most frequent mechanisms of death were blunt force trauma (31%), followed by stabbing (22%) and gunshot wounds (21%). Fatal wounds were observed mainly in the head (55%) and thorax (35%). Conclusions In the north of Portugal, elder homicide seems to be uncommon. This study suggests an association between elder homicide and robbery, in which elders, due to their vulnerability, are a preferential target. Contrary to other reports worldwide, there were no cases of death in nursing homes, possibly due to underreport or misidentification. In a large number of the cases, it wasn’t possible to collect all the necessary data, due to lack of information regarding circumstances of the events.