How Serial Rapists Choose Their Victims
Serial Rapist Victims 1
SERIAL RAPIST VICTIMS
How Serial Rapists Choose Their Victims
Michelle L. Freeze
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Sociology 4111, Section 2
Dr. Mark
September 22, 2010
Serial Rapist Victims 2
How Serial Rapists Choose Their Victims
Introduction
Historically, the study of crime has largely focused on the actions of the repeat rapist as
to why rape occurs and how victims are chosen. Until recently the mindset of the victim was not
considered a serious factor in why crimes were committed. Today criminologists look carefully at
every aspect of the victim as well as the offender. My research proposal aims to determine what,
if anything, victims of serial rapists have in common. In turn, critical insight into the prevention of
serial rape could be obtained.
Hypothesis
Why do certain women, in particular, fall prey to the horrible crime of serial rape, while other,
seemingly equally suitable targets, do not? In order to determine the characteristics of serial rape
victims, I propose gathering data from the perpetrators of these crimes. These repeat offenders know
best why they chose one woman over another, and present the best source of information available.
Theoretical Arguments
Victim Precipitation Theory holds that victims often initiate the consequence which leads to their death,
either by threatening or actively attacking when they perceive a criminal threat, or passively ignoring a
possible threat in hopes of avoiding confrontation (Siegel, pp. 68). It is possible the passive precipitation
route could embolden an serial rapist, so by acting nervous or frightened, a victim could unknowingly
bring on a criminal attack (Siegel, pp. 68).
Some of the most controversial theories on victimization are based on the victim’s choice of
lifestyle. Lifestyle Theory does not hold that crime is a random
SERIAL RAPIST VICTIMS
How Serial Rapists Choose Their Victims
Michelle L. Freeze
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Sociology 4111, Section 2
Dr. Mark
September 22, 2010
Serial Rapist Victims 2
How Serial Rapists Choose Their Victims
Introduction
Historically, the study of crime has largely focused on the actions of the repeat rapist as
to why rape occurs and how victims are chosen. Until recently the mindset of the victim was not
considered a serious factor in why crimes were committed. Today criminologists look carefully at
every aspect of the victim as well as the offender. My research proposal aims to determine what,
if anything, victims of serial rapists have in common. In turn, critical insight into the prevention of
serial rape could be obtained.
Hypothesis
Why do certain women, in particular, fall prey to the horrible crime of serial rape, while other,
seemingly equally suitable targets, do not? In order to determine the characteristics of serial rape
victims, I propose gathering data from the perpetrators of these crimes. These repeat offenders know
best why they chose one woman over another, and present the best source of information available.
Theoretical Arguments
Victim Precipitation Theory holds that victims often initiate the consequence which leads to their death,
either by threatening or actively attacking when they perceive a criminal threat, or passively ignoring a
possible threat in hopes of avoiding confrontation (Siegel, pp. 68). It is possible the passive precipitation
route could embolden an serial rapist, so by acting nervous or frightened, a victim could unknowingly
bring on a criminal attack (Siegel, pp. 68).
Some of the most controversial theories on victimization are based on the victim’s choice of
lifestyle. Lifestyle Theory does not hold that crime is a random
References: Siegel. Criminology: The Core, 4th Edition. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning/CourseSmart, 02/26/2010. Stevens, D.J. (2000), Inside the Mind of a Serial Rapist. NE: Authors Choice Press. Word count: 654