Abstract

This study aims to further our understanding of sexual victimization using the routine activities theory (RAT) framework. Specifically, this study compared offenders’ motivations as well as victims’ vulnerability, inertia, gratifiability, and accessibility in elder, child, and younger adult victims. The sample used in this study consists of 931 cases of extrafamilial sexual assaults that occurred in France. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine the differences between the cases involving child (n = 193), adult (n = 500), and elder victims (n = 238). First, findings indicate that offenders do not present different motivations depending on the type of victim. Second, analyses suggest that child and elder victims presented similar patterns of suitability in comparison to adult victims. Finally, results show that for both child and elder victims, accessibility represents a major obstacle but manifested differently. Theoretical and practical implications as well as directions for future research are discussed.

摘要

本研究旨在利用常规活动理论（RAT）框架进一步加深我们对性受害的理解。具体来说，这项研究比较了犯罪者的动机以及受害者的脆弱性、惯性、满足感和对老年人、儿童和年轻成人受害者的可及性。本研究使用的样本包括 931 起发生在法国的家庭外性侵犯案件。采用双变量和多变量分析来检验涉及儿童 ( n  = 193)、成人 ( n  = 500) 和老年受害者 ( n = 238）。首先，调查结果表明，犯罪者不会根据受害者的类型表现出不同的动机。其次，分析表明，与成年受害者相比，儿童和老年受害者表现出相似的适用模式。最后，结果表明，对于儿童和老年受害者来说，无障碍是一个主要障碍，但表现不同。讨论了理论和实践意义以及未来研究的方向。