THE ENVIRONMENTAL RANGE OF SERIAL RAPISTS

A model of individual sexual offenders' spatial activity was developed based upon 45 British male sexual assaulters who had committed at least two assaults. For each offender a separate map was produced indicating the spatial locations of his offences and residence. A Marauder model and a Commuter model of offender's spatial behaviour was proposed. As an elaboration of the Marauder model, the Circle and Range hypotheses were tested against the sample of offenders. Results of the study support the Marauder model showing that most of the sample (87%) move out from their home base in a region around that base to carry out their attacks. The antithetical Commuter model was not supported within the sample. The Circle and Range hypotheses were supported demonstrating that offenders operate within a distinct offence region (in 91% of cases) and that the distance they travel to offend correlates directly with distances between offences (r = 0.93, p < 0.001). The findings clearly indicate that there is a basis for a model of offence venue choice by individuals within the sample. The present study supports the value of a theory of domocentricity within offenders' lives and offers potential applicability to the solving of crimes. © 1993 Academic Press Ltd.