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

an article by Susan Mary Benbow (University of Chester, UK; Older Mind Matters, Manchester, UK), Sarmishtha Bhattacharyya (University of Chester, UK; Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham, North Wales, UK) and Paul Kingston (University of Chester, UK) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 2 (June 2019)

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.

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