Modus operandi of persons convicted of a sexual offense from victims’ perspectives in a Turkish sample

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is typically studied using reports from the offender and in Western countries. The aim of the present study was to investigate pre- and post-abuse strategies of persons convicted of a sexual offense to children in Turkey using the statements made by the child victims and to frame the results using rational choice theory. A qualitative study was made for the themes in the police statements from 46 children who were victims of child sexual abuse. The content analysis revealed that persons convicted of a sexual offense to children differ in terms of their methods to approach children and in their pre- and post-abuse behaviors depending on their relationship with the victim. A total of 85 percent of the offenses were extra-familial and 15 percent within the family. Only 21 percent of the extra-familial offenses were opportunist; most involved bribes and introductions through friends or intermediaries. Two tactics unique to Turkey were promises of marriage and the use of children as intermediaries. The use of force and blackmail was more common in the intra-familial offenses. The results of the qualitative analysis were, on the whole, consistent with results from persons convicted of a sexual offense to children’s statements, but some of the tactics used by offenders in Turkey were unique to Turkish culture.

Relationship Between The “Sexual Abuse Whirlpool” and Gender, Type of Abuse, Victim-Perpetrator Relationship, Disclosure, Psychological Reactions, and Revictimization of Sexual Abuse Victims

“…The statements included detailed data to understand the nature of the offence and the situations of victims and offenders before, during, and after the abuse. These statements were also used for treatment and rehabilitation (B. M. Gonultas et al, 2023).…”

“…Factor 2: Methods Undertaken by Perpetrators to Make Children a Suitable Target: Vulnerabilities Devised by Perpetrators (VP). The strategies and methods adopted, before the act of abuse, involve getting physically close to the child (Gonultas et al, 2023). The situation that determines physical closeness with a child is whether the perpetrator is based inside or outside the household.…”

“…The bribes and promises employed here are based on the child's vulnerability; the perpetrator may offer something that the child is passionate about to gain their trust, which prompts the child to come to a place where they can be isolated, making it easier for the perpetrator to be close to the child (Cornish, 1998). Coercive methods can be used when one is physically close to a child (B. M. Gonultas et al, 2023). Coercive methods include physical violence and threats, which may the child comply with the perpetrator's wishes, just before the act of abuse (Craven et al, 2006).…”

“…The strategies and methods adopted, before the act of abuse, involve getting physically close to the child (Gonultas et al, 2023). The situation that determines physical closeness with a child is whether the perpetrator is based inside or outside the household.…”