The typology, developed by the FBI and often used by law enforcement, is based on the seminal 1970s research of psychologist A. Nicholas Groth, author of "Men Who Rape: The Psychology of the Offender."
Criminal profilers warn against using the typology rigidly. "These are simply starting points," said Roy Hazelwood, a former supervisory special agent in the behavioral science unit at the FBI Academy who researched rapists and was instrumental in developing the typology.
The power-reassurance rapist attacks "to reassure himself of his own masculinity," said Hazelwood, who has written about sexually violent criminals and still does behavioral research. "He is the least violent of all rapists, but he's also the most cautious. He selects his victims through window peeping and/or surveillance."
Castillo said of these types of rapists, "They like a surprise approach. They like victims to be alone or with small children. They use minimum force to get control. If they get any resistance, they will generally negotiate--'Just take it easy, if you do what I say, you won't be harmed'--or threaten--'Look, I have a gun.' "
The FBI's profiles also reveal that they are often single or experiencing difficulty in a relationship, possibly living alone or with their parents. Often their mothers have been domineering.
The power-assertive rapist, on the other hand, is using rape to express his virility, dominance and superiority. If resisted, the power-assertive rapist will slap or curse. He usually tears off his victim's clothes. "He might have a preconceived idea that there are wrongs in his life and this is his time to get even," Castillo said.
They generally attack away from their own neighborhoods, in the evenings from around 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., sometimes prowling bars for victims.
"They could convince someone to come home with them," Castillo said. "It might be on a second or third date. These cases are difficult to prosecute because a lot of times the victim won't report it, thinking, 'Well, I asked for it.' "
The anger-retaliation rapist "is getting even with women for real or imagined wrongs," Hazelwood said. "He just doesn't like women and he makes no attempt to conceal that fact."
Violent and impulsive, he can end up killing a victim or injuring her so badly she needs hospitalization. "There's no pattern to his assaults, which makes it difficult to catch him."
Enjoys Causing Pain
