An Examination of Sexual Offenses against Women by Acquaintances: The Utility of a Script Framework for Prevention Purposes

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Abstract

Although sexual offenses by acquaintances account for the majority of sexual crimes against women, there is currently little evidence of systematic knowledge regarding the crime-commission process involved. To date no empirical crime script has been found for sexual offenses against women. The purpose of this study is to better understand the crime-commission processes involved in sexual offenses against women by acquaintances and identify key intervention points by using crime scripts. This objective is achieved through a qualitative content analysis of 23 Australian court cases in which a crime script comprising eight stages is identified. Potential prevention measures are also underpinned and summarized according to the problem analysis triangle. Some key areas of focus include the isolation process and guardianship. The adaptation of prevention techniques to specific offender-victim relationships is recommended.

Authors

• Yi-Ning Chiu, Griffith University

• Benoit Leclerc, Griffith University