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Rape and sexual assault of the elderly – an exploratory study of 10 cases referred to the Irish Forensic Psychiatry Service

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Philip G Collins  and
Art O' Connor
Philip G Collins
Affiliation:
Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow G53 7TU, Scotland
Art O' Connor
Affiliation:
Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin 14, Ireland
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Abstract

Objectives: This small exploratory study aims to investigate the characteristics of those convicted of rape or serious sexual assault against an elderly person (aged 65 years or over) who were referred to the Irish Forensic Psychiatry Service for assessment.

Method: A retrospective examination of the case histories of such individuals both at the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum, Dublin and at Arbour Hill Prison, Dublin between 1989 and 1995.

Results: Ten such cases were found. The most frequent diagnoses were those of schizophrenia and alcohol dependence syndrome. A dual diagnosis of both schizophrenia and alcohol dependence was common. A high percentage of the schizophrenia cases had been previously charged with sexual offences and most were non-compliant with prescribed psychotropic medication at the time of the offence.

Conclusions: A very small number of people with mental illness may be at increased risk of committing a sexual offence against an elderly person. Further study of such offenders is merited.

Keywords

RapeSexual assaultElderlyForensic psychiatrySchizophreniaAlcohol dependence syndrome.
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 17 , Issue 4 , December 2000 , pp. 128 - 131
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2000

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