Patterns of Stranger and Serial Rape Offending: Factors Distinguishing Apprehended and at Large Offenders

Abstract

Using information gathered from police investigators' reports, this Article identifies some of the salient patterns and characteristics that differentiate forms of stranger rape, distinguish stranger from nonstranger rape, and distinguish serial from nonserial rape. The patterns and characteristics discussed reflect the situational nature of the offense, which is how the offender commits the offense, rather than descriptions of personal characteristics. These distinguishing patterns and characteristics also suggest why some stranger rapists are apprehended while others remain at large. The major framework utilized in distinguishing rape in this study is not solely based on victim-offender relationship. Rather the joint consideration of victim-offender relationship and the number of reported rapes committed by the same person before apprehension is suggested to better reflect the complex interplay between offender, victim, and situational characteristics and how they relate to the apprehension of the rape offender.