Older Adult Family Homicide in Victoria, Australia 2001–2015: A Description of Family and Family Violence Homicide Victimisation

Abstract

Purpose This study examined factors present among older adult family homicide victims and their offenders compared to younger adult family homicide using the social-ecological model. Method The study used a population-based single-jurisdiction cross-sectional design of consecutive homicide cases of adults (aged 18 years and older) reported to the coroner in Victoria, Australia for the period 2001–2015. Included were homicides involving an intimate or familial relationship. The data source was the Victorian Homicide Register, maintained by the Coroners Court of Victoria. Descriptive and multivariate analysis was performed to compare the presence of factors between younger and older adult family homicides. Results During the study period 37/283 (13.1%) family homicides occurred among older adult victims (aged 65 years and older) and 246/283 (86.9%) occurred among younger adults (aged 18–64 years). The deceased older adult was often male (57%), with a documented physical illness (54%). Offenders against the older adult were frequently male (68%), non-intimately related (73%), with diagnosed mental illness, a history of substance use and/or historical exposure to violence (all 57%). There were 15 older adult family violence (FV) homicide victims, eight that were previously victims of the homicide offender, primarily enduring emotional, physical and psychological violence as well as the perpetrator assaulting another family member. Seven older adults had perpetrated FV against their offender. Conclusions The history of violence perpetration in the deceased and mental health factors in their offender, as well as the greater proportion of parent-child and other familial relationships offer interesting focal points for future prevention research.