Date Published 1990
Overview: From 1984 to 1986, special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were assigned to the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime to interview 41 men who were responsible for raping 837 victims.
Abstract: Research concerning serial rapists’ behavior during and following the commission of crimes showed that most rapes were premeditated. A threatening presence and verbal threats were used to maintain control over the victim, although minimal or no physical force was used in most instances. Victims physically, passively, or verbally resisted rapists in slightly over 50 percent of the offenses. The most common offender reaction to resistance was to verbally threaten the victim. Slightly over one-third of the offenders experienced a sexual dysfunction, and preferred sexual acts were vaginal rape and forced fellatio. Low levels of pleasure were reported by rapists, and rapists tended not to be concerned with precautionary measures to protect their identities. Approximately one-third of the rapists consumed alcohol prior to their crimes, while slightly less reported using some other drug. The most common post offense behavior reported by rapists involved feelings of remorse and guilt, following the case in the media, and increased alcohol and drug consumption.
