Finding into death of RFV

87y · Male·Consequences of an assault with severe facial fractures

RFV, an 87-year-old man, died from severe facial fractures and traumatic brain injury sustained during an assault by his daughter-in-law. He presented to hospital in critical condition with cardiac arrest, multiple facial fractures, and subsequently developed large cerebral infarcts. Despite resuscitation and ICU management, multi-organ failure and devastating stroke made neurological recovery unlikely. The coroner found the death resulted from criminal violence (murder conviction). Clinical management at Royal Melbourne Hospital appeared appropriate. The finding highlights systemic gaps in supporting elderly people experiencing family violence: RFV had reported theft and trespass to police in September 2020 but was referred to the Victims Support Agency rather than age-appropriate services like Seniors Rights Victoria, and the referral was not actioned due to incomplete information.