Here are some technical articles on the processes in victim selection:
Winkel, Frans Willem, McCormack, Robert J. Victim precipitation: Some fresh evidence on nonverbally mediated perceptions of vulnerability. , Crime & Law, Vol 3(3), 1997. pp. 219-225.
Key Concepts
edestrians with low vs medium vs high walking style
synchrony, perception of target's self-confidence & vulnerability &
robbery potential, college students
Abstract
recipitators are personal attributes enhancing a person's
likelihood of becoming criminally victimized. The present experiment
focused on walking style synchrony as a nonverbal determinant of
differential perceptions. 128 undergraduates (mean age 21.6 yrs)
were exposed to pedestrian targets in low, medium, and high walking
synchrony postures and were asked to rate each target's robbery
potential and self-confidence. Findings suggest that walking styles
associated with a lack of interactional synchrony--a lack of
organized movement, a lack of "wholeness," a lack of flowing
motion--result in higher ratings of robbery potential and in lower
ratings of perceived self-confidence of a target relative to more
synchronous walking styles. Analyses also suggest that high criminal
involvement is associated with more easily construing situations as
"opportunistic." Some implications for assertiveness and
self-defense training programs are discussed. (PsycINFO Database
Curtis, Lynn A Victim precipitation and violent crime.Social Problems, Vol. 21(4), Apr 1974. pp. 594-605. Journal
Abstract
efines victim precipitation and estimates its incidence in
a US national sample of police reports on serious violent crime.
Provocation appears not uncommon in criminal homicide and aggravated
assault, less frequent but still empirically noteworthy in robbery,
and perhaps least relevant in forcible rape. (PsycINFO Database
Gunns, Rebekah E: Johnston, Lucy Hudson, Stephen M., Victim selection and kinematics: A point-light investigation of vulnerability to attack.Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, Vol 26(3), Fal 2002. pp.
129-158.
Abstract:Three experiments used a point-light methodology to
investigate whether movement style specifies vulnerability to
physical attack. Both female (71 18-52 yr olds; Experiment 1) and
male (50 18-42 yr olds; Experiment 2) walkers could be
differentiated according to ease-of-attack based solely on the
kinematic information provided whilst walking. Specific walking
style features predicted ease-of-attack and profiles of
prototypically "easy to attack" and "difficult to attack" walkers
were identified. Variations in walking style as a function of
clothing and footwear style were also shown to predict differences
in ease-of-attack ratings (30 20-29 yr old females; Experiment 3).
Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are
considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2002 APA, all rights
reserved)
Graney, Dawn Jenee Power serial rapists and female victim-selection: A conceptual
typological model.: Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences
& Engineering, Vol 63(2-B), Aug 2002. pp. 1026.
Key Concepts
ower serial rapists; female victim selection typology
Abstract:This study examined existing literature for purposes of
creating a conceptual victim selection typological model for the
power serial rapist. Research from both the fields of rape and
victimology was utilized to gain insight into the concept of victim
selection and to aid in the understanding of the power serial
rapist. Several rapist typologies were reviewed and Groth, Burgess,
and Holstrom's (1977) rapist typology, which included the power
rapist, was selected for purposes of creating the victim selection
typological model. Research was also presented regarding personal
and behavioral characteristics commonly associated with the power
serial rapist and his offenses. Existing victimization models were
reviewed to determine how victimization has been conceptualized in
the past. Groth et al.'s typology and each of the victimization
models discussed were then critiqued on the basis of their
contribution to the understanding of victim selection techniques of
the power serial rapist. The information gleaned from the critiques,
and from the rape and victimology literature, was used in the
development the Power Serial Rapist Victim Selection Typological
Model, which is arguably more comprehensive and encompassing than
previously existing victimization models. Additionally, it is argued
that this model is unique in that it is crime specific and addresses
victim selection. The previously existing victimization models and
the Power Serial Rapist Victim Selection Typological Model were
compared and contrasted based on the application of the case of
Gilbert Escobedo, a real life serial rapist. The case application
supported the notion that the typological model that resulted from
this study offered greater utility in understanding victim selection
techniques of the power serial rapist. Given the findings,
implications for the use of the typological model in the areas of
applied psychology, criminal justice, and public policy were
discussed
Stevens, Dennis J Predatory rapists and victim selection techniques.Social Science Journal, Vol 31(4), 1994. pp. 421-433
Abstract:Examines the self-reported target techniques of 61 sexual
offenders incarcerated in a maximum custody prison. Respondents were
interviewed using a methodology employing other convicted felons as
interviewers. Ss admitted at least 310 predatory rapes, averaging
5.2 rapes per S. Data support a rational choice perspective
revealing predatory rapists as decision makers since they search for
vulnerable prey in various social landscapes and attack women they
believe could not or would not resist attack. Another factor related
to the decision-making process is opportunity obtained through
circumstance or manipulation. Predatory rapists are not deterred by
serving time in prison as they learn refined methods of target
selection from other inmates. In light of these findings, research
is needed to curb fallacies leading to victim vulnerability.
:Richards, Lynne A theoretical analysis of nonverbal communication and victim selection for sexual assault.Clothing & Textiles Research Journal, Vol 9(4), Sum 1991. pp. 55-64.
Abstract:Explains the nonverbal communication process using
propositions associated with theories of self-enhancement,
communication, perception, and impression formation and uses this
perspective to analyze sexual victimization research. This
perspective suggests that stereotyped sex-role socialization is a
key factor in male and female contributions to the nonverbal process
of victim selection. Findings have implications for the shaping of
gender role identity and the development of successful assault
prevention programs.
Kirkendall, Allan R Victim selection processes involved in rape.Dissertation Abstracts International, Vol 41(4-B), Oct 1980. pp. 1567.
Lejeune, Robert The management of a mugging. Urban Life, Vol 6(2), Jul 1977. pp. 123-148.
Abstract:Interviewed 45 muggers to ascertain their definitions of
the offense. The respondents reported various strategies to control
their own fears and to "normalize" the situation. Strategies
included the selection of victims, threatening postures, and the use
of force.
