Grannicides in Ghana: a study of lethal violence by grandchildren against grandmothers.

摘要: The current article presents the results of an exploratory research that examined 16 homicides perpetrated by grandchildren against their own grandmothers in Ghana, West Africa. term grannicide was coined present author and employed analysis to denote slaying a grandmother her grandchildren. Data for study were extracted from various Ghanaian print electronic media. Results data show is gendered, with all identified grannicides grandsons grandmothers. Offenders typically young low socioeconomic background. Victims advanced age, poor, at least partially dependent on children economic, physical social support. All occurred rural areas country, victims commonly shared residence assailant. Witchcraft accusations predominant motive grandchild-to-grandmother slayings. killings overwhelmingly brutal, exhibiting characteristics criminologists call overkill. Recommendations reducing this type crime are offered.