NCJ Number
151481
Journal
Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 435-451
Date Published
1993
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Using a psychiatric perspective, this paper discusses serial sexual homicide, one type of serial murder, with emphasis on the characteristics of the crimes and the offenders, defining qualities and diagnoses, and theories of causation.
Abstract
The roles of the criminal justice system and the mental health professionals involved in criminal profiling and the reactions of society are also explored. The great majority of offenders and victims in these crimes are white. Offenders are usually males under 35, who often begin their criminal careers in their 20's. Most are heterosexual. These careers last about 4 years in England but are often longer in the United States. Offenders usually commit their offenses alone. They have a psychological need to have absolute control, dominance, and power over their victims. Some have stable employment records and hold white-collar jobs. After arrest, they are often model prisoners or patients according to staff, but they may be detested and at tacked by peers. History indicates that they are extremely recidivistic. Mental health professionals have typically categorized these men as psychopaths. Theories about causality include sociocultural explanations, psychological factors, psychodynamic models, and organic or biological etiologies. The significance of serial murder remains uncertain, although the psychological impact of serial sexual homicide on a community can be profound. These offenders also result in large costs to the criminal justice system both before and after apprehension. 41 references