Understanding Violence: Causes, Types, and Factors

Causes of Violence

Several factors contribute to violent behavior:

1. Human Evolution and Instinct: Evolutionary factors and inherent aggression.
2. Substance Abuse: The influence of alcohol and drugs.
3. Handguns and Firearms: Access and use of weapons.
4. Socialization and Upbringing: Early life experiences and learned behaviors.
5. Exposure to Violence: Witnessing or experiencing violence.
6. Cultural Values/Subculture of Violence: Societal norms that accept or promote violence.

Rape: Definition and Context

Rape is legally defined as "the carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will."

Population density significantly influences rape rates. Metropolitan areas generally have higher rape rates than rural areas, although urban areas have seen a more substantial drop in reported rates.

National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS): A key source of data on crime victimization.

Types of Rape and Rapists

• Gang Rape: Involves multiple offenders, often with increased violence and weapon use.
• Serial Rape: A single offender committing multiple assaults over a short period.
• Acquaintance Rape: The victim knows the attacker.
• Date Rape: Occurs during a courting relationship.
• Marital Rape: Forced sex between legally married individuals.
• Statutory Rape: Sexual relations between an underage minor and an adult.

Causes of Rape

• Evolutionary, Biological Factors: Some theories suggest rape is instinctual.
• Male Socialization: Men socialized to be aggressive, potentially believing violence is legitimate.
• Psychological Abnormality: Rapists may have personality disorders or mental illnesses.
• Sexual Motivation: While often a violent act, sexual motives may still be present.

Most states and the federal government have implemented shield laws to protect victims from irrelevant questioning about their sexual history.

Degrees of Murder

• 1st Degree Murder: Killing another person after premeditation and deliberation.
  • Premeditation: The killing was considered beforehand.
  • Deliberation: The killing was planned thoughtfully, not impulsively.
  • Felony Murder: Killing during a crime like robbery or rape; also considered 1st-degree murder.
• 2nd Degree Murder: Requires malice aforethought, but not premeditation or deliberation.

Manslaughter

Homicide without malice is termed manslaughter.

• Non-negligent Manslaughter: Killing without a weapon in the heat of the moment.
• Negligent Manslaughter: Killing unintentionally.

Other Forms of Homicide

• Infanticide: Killing children.
• Eldercide: Killing senior citizens.
• Murderous Relations: Often involve spousal relationships.

Types of Serial Killers

• Thrill Killers: Motivated by sexual sadism or dominance.
• Mission Killers: Believe they are reforming the world or have a vision.
• Expedience Killers: Act for profit or to protect themselves.
• Female Serial Killers: A less common category, often with distinct motives.

Mass Murder

Mass murder is the killing of four or more victims.

• Revenge Killers: Seek to get even.
• Love Killers: Motivated by a distorted sense of devotion.
• Profit Killers: Aim to cover up crimes or eliminate witnesses.
• Terrorist Killers: Attempt to send a message.

Assault and Battery

• Assault: Involves an attempted battery or threat, without actual touching.
• Battery: Requires offensive touching, such as hitting or punching.

Domestic Violence

• Child Abuse: Includes neglect (failing to provide care) and sexual abuse.

Robbery

Robbery is taking or attempting to take something of value by force or threat of force.

Hate Crimes

• Thrill-Seeking Hate Crimes: Often involve vandalism.
• Reactive Hate Crimes: Attacks motivated by prejudice (e.g., race).

Factors Producing Hate Crimes

1. Poor or uncertain economic conditions.
2. Racial stereotypes.
3. Hate-filled discourse.
4. Use of racial code language.
5. Personal experiences with minority groups.
6. Scapegoating.

Stalking

Stalking involves unwanted or obsessive attention toward another person. Cyberstalking uses electronic communication to harass a victim.