Near-Death Experience

In attempted homicide cases, how a victim resists influences the offender's actions. Analysis of 93 cases showed that when victims resist, offenders are more likely to use multiple acts of violence and controlling methods. Offenders perceive victims in three roles: as an object, a vehicle, or a significant person. When seen as an object, offenders escalate violence; as a vehicle, they use physical controls and single violent acts; when the victim is personally significant, offenders rely on verbal control and their knowledge of the victim. These findings suggest victim resistance shapes the dynamics of the attack.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of victim resistance in attempted homicide. The study examined 93 cases of attempted homicide. Chi-square analysis revealed that certain behaviors, such as multiple acts of violence and methods of control, are more likely to occur if the victim resists. A multivariate analysis of crime-scene actions was carried out using Smallest Space Analysis. The plot showed three clusters of variables that reflected the offender's perception of the victim as an object, vehicle, or significant person. In the first of these roles, the offender was likely to escalate the level of violence; in the vehicle role, however, the offender employed physical controls and used single acts of violence. Finally, if the victim was personally significant to the offender, the latter was more likely to use verbal control strategies and knowledge of the victim. The implications of victim resistance in light of these role functions are discussed.