Older adults and violence: an analysis of Domestic Homicide Reviews in England involving adults over 60 years of age

Abstract

Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) are conducted when an individual aged 16 or over appears to have died from violence, abuse or neglect by a person to whom they are related or with whom they are in an intimate relationship or who is a member of the same household. DHRs aim to identify lessons to be learned, to improve service responses to domestic abuse and to contribute to prevention of domestic abuse/homicide. We submitted Freedom of Information requests to English Local Authorities to identify DHRs where victim, perpetrator or both were aged over 60. Collected Reports and/or Executive Summaries were thematically analysed. Analysis identified four key themes in the context of the key relationship and caring: major mental illness of the perpetrator; drug and/or alcohol abuse; financial issues; and a history of domestic abuse in key or family relationships. We analysed 14 adult family homicides, 16 intimate partner homicides and five homicide–suicides. Age per se did not emerge as a significant factor in our analysis. Terminology needs to be standardised, and training/education regarding risk assessment needs to be improved in relation to age, myths around ageing/dementia and stresses of caring. Management of mental illness is a key factor. A central repository of DHR Reports accessible for research and subject to regular review would contribute to maximising learning and improving practice.

Domestic Homicide of Older People (2010–15): A Comparative Analysis of Intimate-Partner Homicide and Parricide Cases in the UK

“…In terms of differences, the victim age and relationship to the perpetrator differ compared with national profiles of domestic homicide. Consistent with previous elder domestic homicide research, the 'young-old' were the most common age group of victims in this study (Sharp-Jeffs and Kelly, 2016;Benbow et al, 2018) and the numbers decreased with increased age, although this was more pronounced for men than women, who had a higher risk of victimisation in older age groups compared to men.…”

“…The findings echo the themes observed in domestic homicides across the life course. Consequently, Benbow et al (2018) conclude there is insufficient evidence that age is, per se, a significant factor.…”

“…Finally, a recent study by Benbow et al (2018) examined 31 domestic homicides involving adults aged 60 and over. The majority of victims were female (n=25) and all but one of the perpetrators were male.…”

“…This narrow focus on specific types/sub-types of homicide is not without its problems. As Benbow et al, (2018) point out, the obvious overlaps between the different categories of homicide complicate research and potentially obscure important findings.…”

Intersectionality and Invisible Victims: Reflections on Data Challenges and Vicarious Trauma in Femicide, Family and Intimate Partner Homicide Research

“…(Jenna) Access is also an issue in fatality review, although as a state mandated process, these tend to have formal reporting mechanisms, and can be analysed as a data source. Yet, James notes that in the UK, where DHRs should usually be published, there are often significant delays in doing so and some are not published at all (Benbow et al 2018 ; Stanley et al 2019 ). The lack of a national repository means the capacity to routinely produce aggregate data and learning is limited (Sharp-Jeffs and Kelly 2016 ).…”