NCJ Number
115542
Date Published
1983
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the questioning of the rape victim to determine the offender's motivational intent in committing the assault, so as to provide clues helpful in profiling the rapist.
Abstract
Three steps are essential in profiling the rapist: a careful interview of the victim regarding the rapist's behavior, analysis of that behavior in an attempt to ascertain the motivation underlying the assault, and compilation of a profile of the person likely to have committed the crime in the manner reported and having the assumed motivation. It is essential for the investigator to establish a rapport with the victim through a professional and emphatic approach that will help the victim overcome feelings generated by the rape, such as fear, anger, and guilt. The interview of the victim about the offender's behavior should focus on the physical (force), verbal, and sexual aspects of the rapist's behavior. Elements of these forms of behavior include the rapist's method of approaching the victim, the offender's control of the victim, and the offender's reaction to any victim resistance. Any offender sexual dysfunctions are also important in profiling him. Such dysfunctions include erectile insufficiency, premature ejaculation, retarded ejaculation, and conditioned ejaculation. Other behavioral factors include the type and sequence of sexual acts during the assault, the rapist's verbal activity, victim's verbal activity compelled by the rapist, any sudden change in the offender's attitude during the attack, and the rapist's theft of any items from the victim. Information the victim can provide on the aforementioned rapist behaviors can help in profiling the offender. 17 footnotes.