Forensic psychiatric evaluations of people charged with rape in Croatia

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual violence is a substantial public health problem that is associated with a major impact on victims, and in Croatia, more than half of reported cases of sexual violence involve rape. To help understand their general profiles and consider any implications arising, the aim of this research was to describe the forensic psychiatric characteristics of people charged with rape. Methods: All evaluations of people charged with rape and sent for evaluation at the largest assessment centre in Croatia during the period 2010–2018 were analysed ( n  =  56). Results: Alleged offences most often took place in a perpetrator or victim's home (71%), while the next most frequent location was the street (15%). Over 80% of alleged victims were known to the accused. Alcohol use and abuse were present in 73% of the accused, and 29% were drinking at the time of the alleged offence. Alcohol-related disorders were presented in 38% of the accused, while 38% had a personal history of drug use, and antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders were present in 48% and 29%, respectively. Psychotic disorders were rare (1.8%). Most of the accused were found to be criminally responsible; however, forensic psychiatric assessment procedures were inadequate when considering psychosexual assessments. Conclusions: Interventions based around public health and education should be considered in this field, and forensic psychiatric assessments should be prioritized for improvement.