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forensic psyhcology > test3- profiling and sexual assault > Flashcards

test3- profiling and sexual assault Flashcards

1
Q

definition of “criminal profiling”

A

technique for identifying the major personality and behavioral characteristics of an individual based on the analyses of the crimes he or she has committed

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2
Q

characteristics commonly included in a criminal profile

A
  • age, sex, employment status, intelligence level, educational history, hobbies, family background, residence, criminal history, psychosexual development, post-offence behavior, etc.
  • try to determine when you don’t have a witness
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3
Q

when are criminal profiles most commonly used?

A
  • violent crimes

- serial killers & rapists

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4
Q

purpose of criminal profiling?

A
  • if their is a similar crime in the future
  • narrow list/search for suspects
  • provide new lines of inquiry
  • helps set traps/ flush out an offender
  • determines whether a threatening note should be taken seriously
  • advice on how to interrogate a suspect
  • tell prosecution how to break down defenders in cross examination
  • find motive
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5
Q

what is another name used to refer to criminal profiling? what are these professionals referred to as?

A
  • criminal investigative analysis (broader focus- more than just profiling)
  • professionals referred to as ‘behavioral investigative advisors’ or ‘criminal investigative analysts’
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6
Q

why develop criminal profile for consecutive crimes?

A
  • anticipation of happening again
  • fear of escalation
  • investment in profiling (don’t do for just one offs)
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7
Q

Malleus Maleficarum

A
  • profile of witches (15th century)
  • authors were inquisitors, didn’t have authority
  • misleading advertisements
  • read to children as bedtime story
  • witches= women with strong personality who defies convention and doesn’t cry at trial (paradoxical)
  • used in Salem witch trials in 17th century
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8
Q

what did malleus maleficarum claim that witches did?

A

-prevent conception, injuries to live stalk, baby dies, bad storms causing damage, made penises disappear (only one that didn’t make sense)

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9
Q

Jack the Ripper (1888)

A
  • brutally murdered prostitutes in alleyways on streets of London
  • profile developed by Dr. Phillips and Dr. Bonds (one of 1st criminal profiles used)- never identified
  • examined victims, crime scene, wounds for insight into psychological makeup
  • profile: quite/ harmless looking, wear cloak, promiscuous/ hyper sexual, neat/clean looking
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10
Q

Dr. Phillips and Dr. Bonds

A
  • developed profile for ‘Jack the Ripper’

- first criminal profiles used in criminal investigation

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11
Q

New York’s Mad Bomber (1940)

A

-profile referred to to justify profiling; by James Brussel
-planted bombs around New York city that escalated (avoided injury, wanted to destroy property and ensue terror)
=George Matesky (fit most characteristics described by profile, but was 54, had disease but not heart)

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12
Q

James Brussel

A
  • created profile for the ‘mad bomber’
  • profile: middle aged male, suffering from paranoia, skilled mechanic, cunning, neat with tools, not interested in women, high school graduate, expert in civil or military ordinance, suffered from heart disease, etc.
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13
Q

how did they identify the ‘mad bomber’?

A

-looked at who hated the power company, went through employee records, found someone who fit profile/ was skilled mechanic & was injured, saw he wrote many angry letters criticizing the power company
=George Matesky

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14
Q

David Canter

A

-founder of investigative psychology, origins of field traced back to his involvement in railway rapist (created profile using knowledge of human behaviour)

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15
Q

deductive vs. inductive method of profiling

A
  • Deductive: profile generated through analysis of evidence at crime scene, logical reasoning
  • Inductive: profile generated from comparison of that particular offenders crimes with similar crimes committed by others
  • often combine the two*
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16
Q

organized-disorganized model

A
  • profiling method used by FBI that assumes crime scenes and background of serial offenders can be categorized as organized (planned. controlled) or disorganized (impulsive/ chaotic crime)
  • developed through interviews with those incarcerated
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17
Q

‘cluster’ approach to profiling

A

statistical technique that classified offenders based on how they search, select and approach victims

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18
Q

‘multiple correspondence analysis (MCA)’ approach to profiling

A

-examine interrelationship between clusters

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19
Q

criticisms of criminal profiling

A
  • based on classical trait model –> stable traits resulting in consistent pattern over time and situation, which doesn’t account for multiple personalities or behaviors that are impacted by contextual factors
  • info in profile vague and ambiguous, could apply to anyone
  • profiles thought to not have anymore expertise than bartenders or psychics
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20
Q

Who is the Amazing Randy and how does he relate to profiling?

A
  • magician that taught people there wasn’t anything magical going on
  • did astrology profiles of everyone, handed them out and asked if they apply to them, most say yes, realize they are all the same
  • argument that this is similar to profilers
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21
Q

Kocsis et al (2002) study

A
  • study looking at whether criminal profilers were any good at developing profiles compared to other groups
  • given info about a case and asked to create profile (researchers knew the convicted suspect)
  • answered 45MC questions and completed adjective checklist (ACL) describing offender
  • RESULTS: all scored about the same
  • a rebuttal showed there was a difference
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22
Q

geographical profiling

A
  • investigative technique that uses crime scene locations to predict most likely area where offender resides
  • used primarily to prioritize suspects
  • assumption is serial criminals don’t travel far to commit crimes
  • not useful for traveling offenders
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23
Q

computerized geographical profiling system

A

-use math models of offender spatial behavior to make predictions about where unknown serial offenders reside

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24
Q

ViCLAS

A
  • database for serious crimes created by the RCMP behavioral science branch
  • used nation wide
  • prevents linkage blindness and allows them to see where serial offenders are traveling
  • ViCLAS specialists go through system
  • make statistical judgement
  • RCMP refuse to provide access to scientists for further analysis (to eventually enter data and get profile)
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25
Q

what are the 2 classifications for a dangerous offender?

A
  1. serious personal injury

2. sexual assault crimes

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26
Q

levels of sexual assault (3)

A

Level 1. minor physical injury or no injury, can be summary offence (punishment up to 10yrs imprisonment- hard ceilings on how much punishment can give)
Level 2: sexual assault with a weapon, threats, or causing bodily harm (max 14yrs imprisonment)
Level 3: aggravated sexual assault, results in wounding, maiming, disfiguring, or endangering life of victim (max life sentence)

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27
Q

sexual assault questionnaire

A

-recently used to assess knowledge of security guards on university campuses (lacking)
-non experts about chance, security guards only slightly better than guessing
Ex. % false rape allegations actually about same as other crimes, most rapes planned in advance, little consensus as to if should fight back (should if no weapon)

28
Q

rape trauma syndrome=

A
  • psychological after-effects of rape (2 phases)
  • controversy over admissibility in court
  • developed by Burgess and Holmstrom (1974), based on 92 women who had been raped and looked at commonalities between symptoms
29
Q

rape trauma syndrome- phase 1

A
  • Acute phase (disorganized)
  • physical trauma, skeletal muscle tension (leads to headaches, disturbed sleep, anxiousness, night terrors), gastrointestinal irritability, genitourinary disturbance, fear (traumatophobia), denial/shock/disbelief, guilt/hostility/self-blame, regression to state of helplessness, distorted perceptions
30
Q

rape trauma syndrome- phase 2

A
  • Long term; reorganization
  • nightmares, variety of phobias, disturbances in general functioning, development of sexual problems, dramatic changes in lifestyle, physical health symptoms, depression
31
Q

PTSD- phase 1 symptoms

A
  • repeated experiencing of the event, or avoidance of situations, ideas, feelings that were relevant to the event
  • psychological numbing or reduced responsiveness to environment
32
Q

PTSD-phase 2 symptoms

A
  • difficulty falling or staying asleep
  • irritability or outburst of anger
  • difficulty concentrating
  • hypervigilance
  • exaggerated startle response
  • physiological reactivity upon exposure
33
Q

typical prosecution problems for sexual assault

A
  • often committed without witnesses
  • often committed with minimal physical evidence (if careful only small amount of evidence)
  • if drugged, cant remember and hard to testify
34
Q

uses of expert witnesses for sexual assault cases

A
  • Consent: RTS or PTSD diagnosis show that have symptoms of someone who hasn’t consented
  • Victim behavior: look at hoe behaving, state that is symptomatic
  • Damages: may want payout, rare in civil case that will go to court but can be brought in to boaster a settlement
35
Q

RTS vs. PTSD

A
  • PTSD has more research behind it- in DSM, good diagnostic instruments, covers main RTS symptoms
  • PTSD doesn’t cover depression, anger or sexual dysfunction
  • Early on, PTSD more acceptable & less stigma then RTS
36
Q

why are statistics for sexual assault considered inaccurate?

A

most people don’t report

37
Q

what are some reasons why adults don’t report sexual assault?

A
  • don’t feel it is important enough
  • fear revenge of offender
  • believe police won’t be able to find offender
  • don’t want offender to get in trouble
  • fear shame or dishonour to their family
  • feel it is too personal and don’t want others to know
  • don’t want to deal with police and hassle of court
38
Q

what are some reasons why children don’t report sexual assault?

A
  • fearful of what will happen to them or their parents
  • don’t think they will be believed
  • believe they are in someway to blame
  • not aware what was happening was unacceptable
39
Q

definition of sexual assault

A

any non-consensual act by either a male or female to either a male or female, regardless of relationship between those involved

40
Q

voyeurs

A

obtain sexual gratification by observing unsuspecting people who are naked, in process of undressing, or engaging in sexual activity

41
Q

exhibitionists

A

obtain sexual gratification by exposing their genitals to strangers

42
Q

rapists

A

offenders who sexually assault victims aged 16yrs or older

43
Q

pedophile

A

adult whose primary sexual orientation is towards children

44
Q

child molester (intra and extra)

A
  • individuals who have actually sexually molested a child
  • Intra-familial= sexually abuse their own biological children or whom they assume a parental role
  • Extra-familial= sexually abuse children outside their family
45
Q

Revised Rapist typology (5 primary subtypes based on motive)

A
  1. Opportunistic type: impulsive, void of sexual fantasies, controlled primarily by contextual/ situational factors, void of gratuitous violence, often engage in other crimes
  2. Pervasively angry type- high level of anger directed towards men and women, impulsive, unnecessary force used, serious victim injury, void of sexual fantasies
  3. Sexual type- primarily motivated by sexual preoccupation or sexual fantasies
  4. Sadistic type- sadistic element to offense
  5. Vindictive- anger focused solely on women, not impulsive or preoccupied by sexual fantasies, goal is to demean and degrade victim
46
Q

3 types of rapists

A
  1. Anger rapist: use more force than necessary, engage in sexual acts to degrade victim, anger towards women, not primarily motivated by sexual gratification
  2. Power rapist: assert dominance and control, variation in amount of force used, not primarily motivated by sexual gratification, frequent rape fantasies
  3. Sadistic rapist: obtain sexual gratification from hurting victim, high level victim injury, frequent violent sexual fantasies
47
Q

Fixated vs. regressed child molester

A
  1. Fixated: primary sexual orientation is towards children, interest began in adolescent and is persistent, male children are targets, precipitating stress not evident, planned offenses, emotionally immature, single, no alcohol or drug history, fell no remorse
  2. Regressed: primary sexual orientation is towards adults, interest began in adulthood and is episodic, female children are targets, precipitating stress present, impulsive offenses, married, offenses related to alcohol uses, more likely to feel remorse
48
Q

women sexual reoffending

A

-rates lower and incarcerated for less time

49
Q

why is it speculated that rate of sexual abuse by women is more prevalent than previously thought?

A
  • able to mask their sexually abusive behaviors through caregiving activities and thus more difficult to recognize
  • More likely to target own children, who are less likely to disclose the abuse
  • Boys are more frequent targets, boys less likely to disclose the abuse
50
Q

4 types of female sexual offenders

A
  1. Teacher/lover
  2. male-coerced
  3. male accompanies
  4. predisposed
51
Q

teacher/ lover female sexual offender

A

initiate sexual abuse of male –adolescent whom they relate to as a peer, in position of authority or power

  • victim rarely reports to authorities (unknown how prevalent this type is)
  • not likely experienced childhood sexual abuse
  • substance use problems are common
  • often unaware their behavior is inappropriate
  • often describe selves as being ‘in love’ with victim
  • victims often report they participated voluntarily and don’t feel victimized
52
Q

Male-coerced (female sexual offender)

A
  • offenders coerced or forced into sexual abuse by an abusive male partner
  • often the victim is the female offenders daughter
  • unassertive
  • dependent on men
  • relatively passive partners in the abuse
53
Q

Male-accompanied (female sexual offender)

A
  • engage in sexual abuse with male partner
  • more willing participants than male-coerced
  • victims both inside and outside the family
54
Q

Predisposed (female sexual offender)

A
  • initiate sexual abuse alone
  • often experienced severe and persistent childhood abuse and has been victim of intimate violence
  • deviant sexual fantasies
  • violent and bizarre
  • younger children, often own children
  • frequently physically abuse and neglect victim
55
Q

Aboriginal sexual offenders

A
  • Lack of research despite 40% of aboriginal people in Canada have committed
  • Score higher on number of risk factors
  • Less likely to have male victims- less likely to victimize young children
  • Victims tend to be part of aboriginal community and known to perpetrator
56
Q

Frinkelhor’s theory of child molesting

A
  1. Offender must be motivated to sexually abuse due to (a). emotional congruence/desire for child to satisfy an emotional need (b). sexual attraction to child
    (c) blockage of emotional outlets for offender to meet his sexual and emotional needs
  2. Lack of internal inhibitions
  3. Must overcome external inhibitors for abuse to occur (ex. create opportunities to be alone)
  4. Must overcome the child resistance (may reward with attention or bribes to encourage cooperation, or use threat of harm)
57
Q

Marshall and Barbaree’s integrated theory of child molesting

A
  • Males normally learn to inhibit sexually aggressive behaviors via a socialization process that promotes development of strong positive attachment
  • sexual offenders fail to acquire effective inhibitory control due to childhood abuse they experienced or raised in dysfunctional families
58
Q

Evolutionary theories of child molesting

A

Behavior is product of ancestral history and how features that relate to reproductive success are more frequent
-mating strategy that was selected for b/c gave males reproductive advantage

59
Q

Assessment and treatment of sexual offenders (denial, minimalization, cognitive distortions)

A
  • Often deny/ fail to take full responsibility for their sexual offending, blame is shifted
  • Questionnaires used to assess (Clarke sex history questionnaire) or comparison of police and victim reports with the offenders admit in interviews
  • Denial may be linked to recidivism in low-risk sexual offenders and incest offenders- inconclusive
  • Cognitive distortions: deviant cognitions, values or beliefs that are used to justify or minimize deviant behaviors
  • Cognitive distortions or attitudes supportive of sexual offending are more predictive of recidivism among child molesters
  • Some treatment programs refuse to admit deniers
  • therapists have access to police and victim reports so they can challenge offender who is denying or minimizing aspects of event
60
Q

Assessment and treatment of sexual offenders (empathy)

A
  • Most have specific deficit in empathy towards victim
  • Cognitive distortions can cause empathy problems- minimize the amount of harm they have done
  • Self report (Rape Empathy scale)
  • Empathy training can involve get offender to understand the impact of the abuse on victim and develop feelings such as remorse, Read survivor accounts and compare to how their victim likely felt, Get them to watch videos of victims describing emotional damage and LT problems, May have them meet with adult survivors (only if showing remorse- CONTROVERSIAL)
61
Q

Assessment and treatment of sexual offenders (social skills)

A
  • Lack social skills
  • Self report questionnaires, interviews, responses to scenarios all used to assess
  • Treatment programs vary based on what social skill deficit is present
62
Q

Assessment and treatment of sexual offenders (substance abuse)

A
  • Common in all offenders
  • Alcohol may be used to facilitate offending by reducing their inhibitions
  • Self report measures
  • Referred to substance abuse programs, based on relapse prevention
63
Q

Assessment and treatment of sexual offenders (deviant sexual interests)

A

-can motivate some offenders, but there are other motivators
-Penile phallometry= measurement device placed around a penis to measure changes in sexual arousal
(Rapists respond more favorable to situations involving non-consensual sex)
-Aversion therapy= pairing of an aversive stimuli with a deviant fantasy for purpose of reducing attractiveness of those deviant fantasies
-Masturbatory satiation= told to masturbate to a nondeviant fantasy, after ejaculation switch to deviant fantasy (pairs inability to be aroused with deviant fantasy) -Psychotherapy with pharmacological interventions appear to be effective at suppressing deviant sexual desire
-SSRIs most effective for sexual offenders with paraphilia and those presenting with exhibitionism, compulsive masturbation and pedophilia

64
Q

relapse prevention

A

Identify their offense cycle (risk factors) and develop way to avoid or deal with

65
Q

effectiveness of treatment for sexual offenders

A
  • Lack of consensus about if it works
  • Incarceration not a deterrent for sexual or other offenders
  • Hard to evaluate effectiveness of treatment
  • Low base rate of sexual recidivism, even with untreated
  • higher rates of recidivism if drop out of treatment than those who complete
  • worked best with CBT

forensic psyhcology (6 decks)

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