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A Descriptive Model of the Hunting Process of Serial Sex Offenders: A Rational Choice Perspective

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Abstract

A rational choice theory approach was used to analyze the offense behavior of serial sex offenders. Qualitative data were obtained through the descriptions of the crimes provided by 69 serial sex offenders who were incarcerated in a Correctional Service of Canada institution. Based on the offenders’ accounts, a descriptive model specific to the hunting process was identified. This model contained the following nine phases: offender and victim routine activities, choice of hunting ground, victim selection, method of approach, attack location choice, method to bring the victim to the crime site, crime location choice, method to commit the crime, and the victim release location choice. The model is discussed according to existing research on serial sex offenders and environmental criminology. Implications for clinical practice, crime prevention, offender profiling, and future studies are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada

    Eric Beauregard

  2. Department of Criminal Justice, Center for Geospatial Intelligence and Investigation, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA

    D. Kim Rossmo

  3. School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Institut Philippe Pinel de Montreal, Montreal, Canada

    Jean Proulx

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  1. Eric Beauregard
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  2. D. Kim Rossmo
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  3. Jean Proulx
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Correspondence to Eric Beauregard.

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Beauregard, E., Rossmo, D.K. & Proulx, J. A Descriptive Model of the Hunting Process of Serial Sex Offenders: A Rational Choice Perspective. J Fam Viol 22, 449–463 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-007-9101-3

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