ABSTRACT
This chapter presents key concepts and research into the psychological study of rape. The legal definition of rape is given alongside incidence rates and a discussion of the problem of attrition in rape cases. A summary of empirical research into rape is outlined as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using certain methodologies. Various theories of why rape occurs are then explored, highlighting the main differences between biological models and environmental models of rape. Typologies seeking to classify rapists are presented with an examination of motivational and behavioural classification systems of rapists and rape offences.
