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Stranger danger: Analyzing offender behaviours based on victim approach tactics in sexual homicide

Resource type
Thesis type
(Thesis) M.A.
Date created
2024-04-05
Authors/Contributors
Author (aut): Rossouw, Zena
Abstract
Perpetrators using a ruse in sexual homicide may experience delayed detection and provide the offender with an opportunity for a subsequent attempt if the initial effort fails. This study explores associations between victim characteristics and offender behaviours in sexual murderers targeting stranger victims using a "con" approach versus alternative methods (blitz or surprise). The results from the logistic regression revealed that "con" approach offenders had more male victims, targeted vulnerability, and displayed post-crime organization. Their crimes more often involved fellatio and lower rates of victim beating when compared to other approaches. The cluster analysis identified three groups: "Abandoners," "Relocators," and "Eclectic." "Abandoners" do not move the victim's body and sometimes use a con approach. "Relocators" always move the body and occasionally target vulnerability. "Eclectic" offenders target both genders, exhibit diverse behaviours, prey on vulnerability, almost half involve fellatio, and often use a con approach. The implications for investigations are discussed.
Document
Extent
61 pages.
Identifier
etd22977
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author(s).
Permissions
This thesis may be printed or downloaded for non-commercial research and scholarly purposes.
Supervisor or Senior Supervisor
Thesis advisor (ths): Beauregard, Eric
Language
English
Member of collection
Download file Size
etd22977.pdf 606.33 KB

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