A Descriptive Model of the Offence Chain for Rapists

Abstract

The present study developed a preliminary descriptive model of the offence chain in rapists. A review of existing aetiological theories and taxonomies, structured by level of explanation, demonstrates the potential contribution of descriptive models to theories of rape. Qualitative, primarily interview-based data were obtained from 24 incarcerated New Zealand European rapists. The main source of data was a verbal description of the offence developed by the offender during interviews with the researcher, and recorded both on audiotape and on a portable computer. This description included the cognitive, affective, motivational and behavioural features of the sexual violation offence. It was analysed using Grounded Theory methodology (Strauss & Corbin, 1990). The resulting model demonstrates how rapes unfold over time and includes both offender behaviour and offender responses to victim behaviour. The model contains 21 major categories, and 43 subcategories. It is presented in both visual and verbal forms, illustrated with examples from the raw data. Evaluation with a second sample of rapists by an independent researcher suggested an adequate level of saturation has been achieved by the model. Analysis of offenders' individual offence patterns, using the model, indicated that they could be summarised in terms of 3 pathways through the categories and subcategories of the model. These pathways are: seeking sexual gratification to enhance positive mood, escaping negative affect through sexual gratification, and redressing harm to self by harming others. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine relationships between a range of offence and offender variables, and offence pathway membership. Significant differences were obtained for denying that the sexual interaction had been assaultative, the nature of the pre-offence relationship to the victim (stranger vs. non-stranger), level of force used in the offence, and degree of victim injury. The implications of the model and its pathways for theorising, taxonomic investigation, clinical practice and research are discussed, along with its limitations.