Exploring Sexual Homicide by Overarching Groups of Victims

Abstract

This study followed recent studies venturing into a victimological path of sexual homicide research. In doing so, it aimed to identify possible distinct overarching groups of victims. A latent class analysis based on statistically significant differences in a census of 107 cases in Israel during 71 years (1948–2019) involving four identified groups of victims suggested a typology of two overarching groups of victims: nonmarginalized victims composed of children and women and socially marginalized or stigmatized victims composed of sex workers and gay men. These two overarching groups of victims display distinct patterns regarding victims, offenders, and modus operandi. Future research and policy recommendations are proposed in line with this study’s observations.