Lifestyle, Routine Activities, and Felony-Related Eldercide

Roberts, Aki; Willits, Dale

doi:10.1177/1088767912438713

Cited by 8 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…The availability of firearms at home is thus a concern for older adult homicides as this exposure is known to increase homicide risks (Cummings et al 1997 ; Dahlberg et al 2004 ). Some older adults may choose to keep firearms in their homes for fear of being a crime victim due to their declining health conditions, especially if they lack social connections (Roberts and Willits 2013 ; Ross and Jang 2000 ). Self-protection has been identified as a motivating factor for carrying firearms among older adults (Smith 2001 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics and patterns of older adult homicides in the United States

et al. 2021

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Background Nearly 1800 homicides were reported in 2018 among individuals aged 60 years or older in the US. The characteristics and circumstances of these homicides are understudied. We investigated the trends of homicides over time and compared victim, perpetrator, and incident characteristics by mechanism (firearm vs. non-firearm) among adults aged 60 years or older. Methods We examined cross-sectional restricted-access data from the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2003 to 2017. Fatal Injury Data by CDC provided age-adjusted homicide rates. We quantitatively summarized victim, perpetrator, and incident characteristics for firearm and non-firearm homicides. We also reviewed 150 qualitative narratives to better understand the context of older adult homicides perpetrated by firearms. All data were analyzed in February 2020. Results Overall and firearm-specific older adult homicide rates increased between 2014 and 2017. Of the 6188 victims, 62% were male. The majority of victims (68%) were killed at home. Firearms (44%), sharp (19%) and blunt weapons (15%) were common mechanisms used in older adult homicides. The perpetrator was an intimate partner in 39% of firearm homicides and 12% of non-firearm homicides (prevalence difference = 27%; 95% CI: 25, 30%). Similarly, homicide-suicides (prevalence difference = 21%; 95% CI: 19, 22%) and multiple-victim incidents (prevalence difference = 7%; 95% CI: 5, 8%) were more common in firearm (23 and 13%, respectively) than in non-firearm (2 and 6%, respectively) homicides. Common contexts of firearm homicides were familial/intimate partner problems, robbery/burglary, argument, and illness. Conclusions A substantial number of older adults were killed with firearms and by their intimate partners. Further research to identify violence victimization prevention strategies in this group, especially those that limit access to firearms by potential perpetrators, is warranted.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics and patterns of older adult homicides in the United States

et al. 2021

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“…As the author notes, the article was intended to fill substantial gaps in our knowledge of elderly homicide victims and offenders and she has succeeded in this goal. Roberts and Willits' (2013) study finds that elderly violence is characterized by a disproportionate number of felony homicides. Among the possible reasons are failing health, social isolation, and inactivity.…”

Section: Victims and Offendersmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…In their article in this issue, Roberts and Willits (2013) investigate the effects of a number of independent variables on felony homicides. The authors then apply the same model to argumentrelated homicides.…”

Section: Felony Homicidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Roberts and Willits’ (2013) study finds that elderly violence is characterized by a disproportionate number of felony homicides. Among the possible reasons are failing health, social isolation, and inactivity.…”

Section: Characteristics Of Elderly Homicidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Roberts and Willits (2013) and other contributors to this issue have pointed to the importance of lifestyle/exposure and routine activities in explaining elderly homicide. This is certainly the case for elderly who live alone and thereby provide a target for victimization.…”

Section: Characteristics Of Elderly Homicidesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Special Issue on Elderly Homicide

Riedel

2013

Homicide Studies

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Elder Homicide in the UK (2010–2015): A Gendered Examination

Bows

Davies

2019

Violence Against Older Women, Volume I

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This document may differ from the final, published version of the research and has been made available online in accordance with publisher policies. To read and/or cite from the published version of the research, please visit the publisher's website (a subscription may be required.) Chapter Seven Elder homicide in the UK (2010-2015): A gendered examination Hannah Bows and Pamela DaviesDespite public fascination with homicide, academic research remains comparatively lacking compared to the widespread media coverage of such offences. In particular, homicide involving older adults has received very little attention. Drawing on a Freedom of Information study in the UK, this chapter reports on 514 homicides recorded between 2010 and 2015 involving victims over the age of 59. Analysis of these cases revealed that homicide of older men is qualitatively different to homicide of older women, confirming the need for a gendered analysis of homicides across the life course. Using this novel study to illustrate our argument, we suggest there are several issues to be addressed concerning conceptualisations of violence against older people as well as methodological challenges to overcome. Implications for research, policy and practice are discussed.

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Lifestyle, Routine Activities, and Felony-Related Eldercide

Cited by 8 publications

References 34 publications

Characteristics and patterns of older adult homicides in the United States

Characteristics and patterns of older adult homicides in the United States

Special Issue on Elderly Homicide

Elder Homicide in the UK (2010–2015): A Gendered Examination

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