How Psychological Profiling Can Aid in Solving Rape Cases

Psychological profiling is a modern investigative scientific technique to analyze the behavioral patterns and cognitive characteristics of a criminal. The primary purpose is to identify specific psychological and behavioral traits of the offenders for different offences, making the focus of an investigation more precise and solving cases more efficiently. The first informal use of psychological profiling was in the investigation of the Whitechapel murders attributed to Jack the Ripper in London during the 1880s. Afterwards, Dr. W.C. Langer had added a milestone of psychological profiling by preparing a psychodynamic profile of Adolf Hitler and it was recognized as the first documented use of profiling. Several landmark cases such as The Mad Bomber Case (1940s- 1960s), The Boston Strangler Case (1964), The Railway Rapist Case (1985) and the contributions of the FBI behavioral Science Unit in establishing a structural methodology in interviewing sexual assault victims and developing behavioral profiles of serial offenders have significantly contributed to the evolution of psychological profiling of criminals. Unlike in the Western world, psychological profiling for solving criminal cases, especially rape cases, is not yet a common or established practice in Bangladesh. While the field of psychology is gradually expanding in clinical and academic contexts, profiling for legal, investigative, or organizational purposes remains rare. The major reasons behind this are a lack of trained professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and limited policy support.

Over the past few months, the rate of rape has risen alarmingly in Bangladesh. The conventional investigation of rape cases in Bangladesh initiates with the victim or their representative filing a First Information Report (FIR) at a police station or filing a case directly with the court. Then, the police begin investigation by collecting evidence, the victim's statement, and other substantive evidence. But there is no specialized process for investigating rape cases, and this is one of the reasons for slow and inefficient investigation. Behavioral profiling of suspected rapists, such as observing usual behavior in unusual situations or unusual behavior in usual situations, emotional reactions, interpersonal behaviors, trauma responses, coping styles, credibility, fabrication, or malingering, helps to categorize them by assessing their potential for criminality.

For example, in the Nirbhaya Case (also known as the 2012 Delhi Gang Rape and Murder Case), a forensic psychologist examined sociopathic and psychopathic traits, which are characterized by an extreme lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and previous records of antisocial conduct. During the investigation, the actions of the accused were considered, such as subsequent attempts to destroy evidence, luring the victim, and exposure to violence. The psychological profiles produced by forensic experts were used to support the prosecution's argument for severe sentencing. In this case, the identification of sociopathic and psychopathic traits indicated a high risk of recidivism, and it strengthened the case for the death penalty. The Nirbhaya case set a precedent for the integration of forensic psychology into high-profile criminal cases in India.

Although there is no established precedent in Bangladesh regarding the incorporation of psychological profiling in solving cases, there are instances where its use by investigators could accelerate investigations and lead to quicker case resolutions. For instance, consider the high-profile Asiya Rape Case in recent times. Eight-year-old Asiya was raped by her sister's father-in-law on the night of March 5. Police arrested the victim's brother-in-law, Sojib Sheikh (20), his brother, Ratul Sheikh (25), and their parents (her sister's parents-in-law), Hitu Sheikh (50) and Jabeda Begum (40), in connection with the incident. Initially, the court granted remand for four of the accused. If the investigating officers could create a psychological profile of the four accused, identification might be much easier. For example, examining the behavior and attitude of Sojib Sheikh, Ratul Sheikh, and Hitu Sheikh towards women could be a starting point. A psychological profile can be created based on the following factors:

Assessing the behavior of Sojib Sheikh (victim’s brother-in-law) towards his wife:

Most often rapists replicate the violence he learned from abusive households (Social Learning Theory). Simons et al. (2004) found that rapists were found to have gone through more physical abuse, violence between parents, and emotional mistreatment in their childhood. So, assessing the behavior of his father towards his mother or other women in the family could be a great identifier of the character of Sojib Sheikh.

Secondly, the identification of Sexual Sadism Disorder. People suffering from this their sexual arousal and gratification depend on inflicting pain or humiliation on others. Previous records showed that his behavior toward his wife was sadistic, and his involvement in forceful sexual relationships since their marriage makes it more evident. This was expressively acknowledged by the victim’s sister.

Thirdly, according to Rational Choice Theory, most child rapists choose vulnerable victims and low-risk environments, which is why children often become their targets to satisfy their distorted sexual desire. For example, case studies of predators like Cary Stayner, who planned crimes to avoid detection.

Preparing a psychological profile of Hitu Sheikh (the victim's sister's father-in-law, who was the prime suspect and sentenced to death) requires considering his behavior towards his wife, daughter-in-law, and the victim. The profile can be constructed based on an analysis of the following behaviors:

Assessing pedophilic tendencies: Pedophiles often seek out children who are lonely, emotionally vulnerable, or have less adult supervision. In case of Asiya there was lack of dominance and powerlessness of her guardian and sisters over her. According to Finkelhor’s Precondition Model pedophiles meet emotional needs (e.g., power, validation) through children due to social inadequacy or arrested development.

Ward and Kenan’s implicit theory (1999): Tony Ward and Thomas Keenan emphasized that in many cases sexual offenders view children as sexual objects believing that children often desire sexual contact with adults. The worst thing is that they try to portray children as provocateurs rather than victims, thereby justifying their offences committed against them. This neutralization technique is also acknowledged by Matza and Sykes's Delinquency and Drift theory where the offender claims the victim deserved the harm inflicted upon them and tends to reduce feelings of guilt or responsibility by shifting blame onto the victim.

General Strain theory: According to this theory negative social relationships such as racial and gender discrimination produce negative emotions that offenders attempt to alleviate through offences. The strains create emotional disturbances undermining coping abilities and can lead to criminal behavior?
Through careful observation, it is evident that the in-laws of the victim's sister upheld patriarchal values and that she herself was a victim. However, she chose to remain silent due to suppression, indicating that negative social relationships already existed.

Impulsivity and Inhibitory Dysfunction: Potential child rapists often act impulsively without considering the consequences. They typically find it difficult to resist sexual urges or impulses involving children and are comparatively more emotionally sensitive. A thorough examination of suspects can help identify characteristics indicative of potential child sexual offenders

According to the investigating officer in the Asiya rape case, the accused's interrogation was critical since the girl was unconscious and unable to give a statement. By considering the behavioral traits of suspects, investigators could identify those with the highest potential to be child rapists. This approach allows for a more focused investigation and helps in gathering more information.

However, psychological profiling does have some limitations. As profiles are based on generalizations about human behavior, they may not apply to every offender. Profiles can be either too broad or too narrow, potentially excluding the real perpetrators or wrongly implicating individuals. Sometimes, flawed and incomplete information can lead to an investigation astray. Not all offenders fit established patterns. Often, profiling can lead to unjust accusations and privacy violations raising concerns about fairness and due process.

Psychological profiling can play a crucial role in guiding the initial stages of investigations into rape cases, especially when the victim is unable to provide a statement. So, overcoming institutional, infrastructural, and professional barriers, as well as cultural gaps, through significant efforts can add a remarkable milestone in the investigation of rape cases.


Hafsa Sadia is an LLB (Honors) student at Bangladesh University
of Professionals (BUP) in
Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka.