Examining the Role of Opportunity in Victim Age Polymorphic Sex Offenders

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Victim age polymorphism (also referred to as victim age crossover) describes sexual offenders who offend against multiple age groups. The present study examined whether polymorphic offenders could be differentiated from age specific offenders based on the role of opportunity in the commission of their offenses. The sample consisted of 72 sexual offenders who committed 361 stranger offenses. Incarcerated offenders were interviewed about their sexual offending history and provided information on their crime scene behaviors (i.e., pre-crime activities, victim selection, and behaviors during the commission of the offence, such as sexual behaviors), which was cross-checked with file information. A PCA and logistic regression were conducted using crime scene behaviors to determine latent constructs that differentiated age-specific and age polymorphic offenders. Polymorphism occurred in 36% of offenders’ sexual offence histories with most polymorphic offenders victimizing minors (aged 11 to 14) and at least one other age group. In comparison to age specific offenders, polymorphic offenders were more opportunistic and less concerned with the specific characteristics of their victim. Polymorphic offenders can be distinguished from age specific offenders by their pre-crime decisions and the sexual behaviors committed during the offence.

Authors

• Kylie Reale, Simon Fraser University

• Skye Stephens, Saint Mary's University

• Eric Beauregard, Simon Fraser University

• Alasdair Goodwill, Ryerson University