Abstract
This study aims to present a qualitative, empirically based typology of offenders who use online communications to commit sex crimes against minors, including offenders who met victims online and those who knew them in advance. Seventy-five reports made by law enforcement officers were analyzed using a qualitative software program, during which a typology defining 4 types of offenders was identified: the expert, the cynical, the affection-focused, and the sex-focused. Each type of offender was characterized by patterns of online communication, offline and online identity, relationship dynamics with the victim, and level of sex crime expertise. The typology reveals the heterogeneous nature of sex offenders who use online communications. This diversity must be addressed to provide satisfactory interventions for both victims and offenders.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 319-337 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma |
| Volume | 24 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 16 Mar 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Keywords
- Internet crimes
- adolescent
- offender/perpetrator
- sexual abuse
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Professions (miscellaneous)
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
