Homicides in older adults in berlin from 2000 to 2010

Abstract

Objective: Recent medical and socio-economic improvements have led to increased life expectancy and thus, a larger global population of older adults. Older adults are an identified risk group for victimization, and specific risk factors exist for violent experiences in later life. However, detailed information concerning fatal aggression against older adults is lacking. The present study is a retrospective study of homicides in an autopsy population of older adults, with regard to victims, offenders, and circumstances. Material and Methods: Our analysis of autopsy reports (n = 23,276), police investigation files and court documents examined homicides in older adults (>60 years) over an 11-year period. We excluded cases involving putrefaction, unclear deaths, and serial killings, non-assistance of people in danger, medical malpractice, euthanasia and attempted homicide. Results: Of 480 homicides during the study period, 93 involved people >60 years (19.4%). Of these, 68 case files (73.1%) were accessible via the public prosecutor's office; with 92 identified perpetrators. Fifty-five cases were available for analysis. Victims of both sexes had almost the same risk of being killed. On average, female victims were aged 75 years; most were married and were killed by asphyxiation (strangulation). Male victims were aged 70 years on average, lived alone and were killed by sharp or blunt force. Common murder motives were enrichment, disease(s) of the victim and the offender's (psychiatric) illness. Conclusions: The danger of victimization for older adults is small, and as older adults tend to spend less time in public, there has been a shift of offenses into domestic areas. To prevent fatal aggression against older adults, an interdisciplinary approach involving physicians, patients and social surroundings is necessary. Detailed information for medical personnel about physical and mental symptoms of elder abuse, access to support services for those affected, autopsies in fatal cases and public awareness of violence against older adults are important