Abstract
This chapter examines patterns of serial homicides committed by women from 1600 to 2004, which are estimated to comprise approximately 10% to 15% of all serial murder offenders. More specifically, this chapter seeks to lend understanding to those serial homicides committed specifically by women in dominant roles as murderer. Women who acted alone or in concert with another where the accomplice was in a subordinate role are also examined. Patterns suggest that women who commit serial murder and are dominant tend to have significantly different patterns of action when compared to those of men in the same role. Trends include, but are not limited to, the following: women are less likely to use physical violence, are more likely to use poison, are more likely to choose children and men as part of their victim pool, and have a higher estimated kill ratio than men. Implications of the lack of recognition of these killers’ actions for both research and detection are discussed.
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Scott, H. (2008). The “Gentler Sex”. In: Kocsis, R.N. (eds) Serial Murder and the Psychology of Violent Crimes. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-049-6_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-049-6_10
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