Criminalistic Characteristics of Rape

Rape is sexual intercourse using force, threats or taking advantage of the victim's helpless situation. Rape is one of the most cynical of crimes which violates an individual's health, freedom and dignity. In certain cases, rape entails serious consequences which make the crime similar in its gravity to the most serious socially dangerous acts.
In determining the criminalistic characteristics of this crime, it is important to distinguish the following typical situations where rape most often occurs: first the rapist, while at a party, wedding reception, etc., takes advantage of the victim's trust and often of an infargated condition in order to lure her to a secluded spot with the intent to rape; second the rapist meets the victim in a public place (in a restaurant, on the beach, etc.) and, through deceit, lures her to a solitarny place where the rape is committed; third the rapist, while behind the wheel of a vehicle (car, motorboat) meets the victim and offers to either give her a ride or to take her to a given destination. Along the way, against her will, the rapist takes her to a secluded spot with the intent to rape her; fourth the rapist meets the victim by chance in a secluded area (forest, park) and suddenly attacks her; fifth the rapist tracks the victim beforehand and, secretly following her to a solitary place, suddenly attack her; sixth the rapist either meets a minor by chance or intentionally follows her (this often takes place in courtyards, near day-care centres and school buildings) and, through deceit, lures her into a secluded area and rapes her.
Incidents of group rape which are committed by more than one individual in situations similar to the aforementioned constitute a special group.
The most common and widespread method used by criminals to prepare the victim, commit the rape, and conceal the traces, are as follows: fist putting the victim into a helpless position through the use of alcohol, or use narcotics, or by inducing an unconscious state through the use of brute physical force (choking, beating, etc.); second overcoming the victim's resistance by using psychological pressure (threatening with a weapon, blackmail or by taking advantage of the victim's subordinate professional position or dependent situation). A confirmed rapist often prepares himself well in advance to committing the rape: he chooses the scene of the rape, prepares the means of rendering the victim helpless and tracks the victim of the intended rape. These actions are also characteristic of those individuals suffering from some forms of mental illness.
The following is a list of means typically used to conceal a rape: first destroying traces of the crime such as stains from semen or blood or traces which might indicate the criminal's presence at a given location at a given time; second committing rape in such a way so that it is difficult for the victim to identify the attacker (rendering the victim unconscious before the rape or using a mask to hide the attacker's face).
Traces and other alterations in the physical environment which inevitably occurs as the result of a rape have an important significance in criminal investigation. In any sort of residence such traces may be feminie personal effects scattered about, a rumpled bed, overturned furniture, etc.; on bedding and clothing, traces of semen and bloodstains may be found; on dishes and other such domestic articles fingerprints, as well as footprints on the floors may be found. In open areas it is characteristic to find the soil has been trampled or dug up, and plants and bushes have been crushed or broken. Foot- and handprints may be founded on the ground as well as various personal effects left by either the attacker or the victim.
The consequences of rape, as has been proven in investigatory practice and ludical proceedings may be extremely grave (either the death of the victim as a direct result of the action of the rape, or her suicide following the crime). Rape may also cause certain psychological disorders in the victim and may lead to physical injury or infection with venereal disease. In those cases where the victim was of prepubescent age, rape may cause loss of virginity and may lead to pregnancy and the need for abortion.
Those who commit rape often abuse alcohol and are extremely cruel and egocentric individuals.
There are also cases of rape committed by individuals who suffer from certain forms of mental illness. For some of these people, an increased sex drive is characteristic.
The motive for most rapes is the desire of the rapist to satisfy his sexual passion. All the same, there are instance of different motivation. For example, one such motive is the desire of a deceived lover or a spurned with instances of rape (espeically group rape) committed by minors who wish to prove that they are "real men" and already adults.
A character profile of the victim is important in establishing those character traits which might invite rape. Most important among these are an excessive trustfulness, a marked imprudence or carelessness, and in certain cases, the frivolous or even amoral behaviour of some victim who, under certain circumstances, had every opportunity not to fall into a situation which could lead to rape (not be tempted to use alcohol, etc.).