Thanks so much for writing up these notes -- I have sent them to a couple of friends who are very interested in these topics.
Did either of the speakers suggest that the FBI is looking at the gender aspects of serial killings/mass murders? That is, the fact that though most run-of-the-mill murder victims are male, most victims of serial/mass killings are female?
No one brought that up. Dr. O'Toole mentioned that women were a tiny percentage of the serial sexual killer group and in general tend to be more likely to poison (there was an implication that it doesn't give sexual gratification, but I can't be certain that was what she meant.).
I think the closest they came was the risk group factors.
Most "run-of-the-mill murders" are young males killing other young males because of fights over status, reproductive access, and "trivial altercations." Males engage in more risky actions in general as a way to try and increase their selection of mates. (Evolution psychology)
I have no idea about the "most victims of serial/mass killings being female" bit, but I suspect it's either because the killer is straight and derives sexual satisfaction from harming the female, or because they go after weaker victims they know they can overpower. It may also be media-reporting bias. ^^;
It's not media reporting bias. The fact that we only seem to hear about white and/or middle class female victims is definitely a media reporting bias, but the crime statistics are far higher for violence against women of all types.
Sexual gratification is a likely explanation as is the weakness factor, but since no one really discussed it, I hesitate to draw a conclusion.
This is really interesting! I'm pretty new to the Criminal Minds fandom/ profiling stuff. Where did you find out about this? and...I saw in the earlier post someone mentioned something about a profiler's book. Where would you find it? I've been wanting to pick up a few books on the topic.
Re: Thanks!mizuki_himeNovember 24 2009, 00:35:21 UTC
Ahh, I was wondering, too, how you found out about this. ^^; Thank you for posting your notes: it was very informative, and a good substitute for missing such an awesome-sounding lecture.
I love DC, and I try to do as many things as I can. On my salary, that means one cool performance or lecture a month (that I pay for) and lots of free things.
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Did either of the speakers suggest that the FBI is looking at the gender aspects of serial killings/mass murders? That is, the fact that though most run-of-the-mill murder victims are male, most victims of serial/mass killings are female?
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I think the closest they came was the risk group factors.
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I have no idea about the "most victims of serial/mass killings being female" bit, but I suspect it's either because the killer is straight and derives sexual satisfaction from harming the female, or because they go after weaker victims they know they can overpower. It may also be media-reporting bias. ^^;
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Sexual gratification is a likely explanation as is the weakness factor, but since no one really discussed it, I hesitate to draw a conclusion.
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I'm a member of the Smithsonian Resident Associates, so when I saw this lecture offered, I got a ticket.
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