Elder homicide in the north of Portugal

Introduction: The increasing average life expectancy leads to population aging, and growing numbers in the elder population, a population that suffers from great vulnerability. Therefore, a rise in elder homicide is expected. This phenomenon has not been thoroughly described in Portugal. This study aims to analyse and characterize elder homicide, in order to achieve a better understanding of this form of violence. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, reviewing autopsy reports along with data regarding circumstances of death of suspected homicides occurring between 1992 and 2007 (n = 78), whose victims were 65 years old or above, autopsied in the medical legal services of the north of Portugal. Results: During this period, an overall of 615 suspected homicides occurred, 13% being perpetrated against elders. The age range of the victims was 65-96 years, with an average of 74 years; 58% of them were males and 45% were married. In 61% of the documented cases, the perpetrator was known to the victim, and a family member in 36%. A considerable number of deaths occurred at the victim's residence and in a rural scenario, the motive being robbery in 51% of the documented cases. The supposed perpetrator ran away from the scene in 64% of the cases. The most frequent mechanisms of death were blunt force trauma (31%), followed by stabbing (22%) and gunshot wounds (21%). Fatal wounds were observed mainly in the head (55%) and thorax (35%). Conclusions: In the north of Portugal, elder homicide seems to be uncommon. This study suggests an association between elder homicide and robbery, in which elders, due to their vulnerability, are a preferential target. Contrary to other reports worldwide, there were no cases of death in nursing homes, possibly due to underreport or misidentification. In a large number of the cases, it wasn't possible to collect all the necessary data, due to lack of information regarding circumstances of the events. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.