Examining Group Rape: A Descriptive Analysis of Offender and Victim Behaviour

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty three group rape offences were collated from archival sources, with the majority of cases from US and UK law reports. This involved 739 separate offenders (722 male and 17 female). Descriptive analyses indicated that this sample of offences tended to be committed by young males (mean age 21 years old) upon approximately same-age female victims. These offences involved multiple sexual acts often accompanied by acts of violence, with just over one-fifth ending in the victim's death. Victim resistance was relatively rare, although a range of verbal and physical reactions was apparent. The psychological implications of the results are discussed with respect to theories of co-offending.