Criminal victimization of the elderly in the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation

Introduction: the article presents a comprehensive study of the victimological aspect of gerontological crime in the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation. It is situated within the framework of an analysis of the main criminological indicators, with the aim of developing theoretical and applied provisions of criminological characterisation of crime against older persons. Materials and Methods: the study was informed by a methodological approach that drew upon the dialectical-materialistic method of scientific cognition, universal scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, and comparison), and a range of specialized methods (including historical, logical, legal, and sociological). The criminal legislation of Belarus and Russia, as well as the legislation pertaining to law enforcement, were subjected to analysis. Additionally, statistical data pertaining to the number of elderly individuals and the prevalence of crime against the elderly, along with judicial practice and materials from criminal cases, were examined. Results contribute to the existing body of scientific knowledge about crime against older persons by offering new insights and recommendations. The objective of this study is to achieve and maintain the maximum degree of protection of the interests of the individual, society and the state from crime. The findings can be used to enhance law enforcement and law enforcement activities of various subjects engaged in crime prevention. Discussion and Conclusions: the victimological safety of elderly citizens is a necessary condition for ensuring constitutional legality and law and order in the state. Given their status as a link between the past, future and present, older people require special care, respect, a meaningful status, protection and assistance from society to enable them to enjoy positive and active longevity.