NCJ Number
116053
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1989) Pages: 18-25
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This second part of a two-part article describes the developmental characteristics of 41 serial rapists as well as the characteristics of the 123 victims of their first, middle, and last assaults, based on interviews with the rapists.
Abstract
Results indicated that many characteristics of the rapists appear relatively 'normal.' Rather than being an isolated, ineffectual individual, the serial rapist more often than not comes from an average or advantaged home and as an adult is a well-groomed, intelligent, employed individual who is living with others in a family context. The greatest pathology is reflected in the serial rapists' developmental history. Few of the men described close relationships with either their mother or their father, a significant number had been institutionalized at some point in their adolescence, and a high proportion reported sexual abuse as children or adolescents. The majority of victims were strangers and assaulted in their own homes half the time. This finding, as well as the rapists' recognition of 'availability' as an important factor in the selection of victims, points to the potential significance of prevention programs. Most serial rapists choose victims based on general proximity, availability of the woman, and access to her residence. Tables and 13 footnotes.