Criminology

A glimpse inside
In order to understand the reasons behind sexual violence against women, it is important to conduct research on how and why it happens. Interviews with convicted sexual offenders as well as contrast groups are likely to give the best insight into the minds behind these acts (1). Because of the assumption that masculinity is superior, it has resulted in knowledge basically founded on what is relevant in a male dominated universe therefore much of the knowledge mirrors the views of patriarchal beliefs (2). Feminists need to look at and understand the reality of sexually violent men. Focusing on the victim can lead to blaming them and perceiving rape as womens rather than mens problem. This insight can only be acquired through invasive and decisive study of the social make up of rapists (3, 4).
Obstacles in accurately determining the size and characteristics of rapists are numerous. Studies show that only cases involving overt violence, rape by strangers or cases resembling classic rape cases were likely to be reported. A model research design would require interviews with the large group of undetected rapists. But the dangers and ethical dilemmas involved would be great and would place the researcher as an accomplice by protecting the rapists identity. The only realistic alternative is to study convicted rapists (6, 7).

Prisoners mistrust prison officials as they feel information given in therapy might be used against them in a parole hearing. Information gathered through staff-conducted research is therefore questionable (10-11). Due to traditional masculinity behaviour, there was a reason to predict that men would respond to a female interviewer (12). Although security is an issue to any female conducting prison research on rape, the professional self should be given priority before the personal self in order to get good data (13).

Good working relationship is principal in order to acquire as much data as possible within a short time. Long hours of interview, and the use of non-threatening background information made it possible to tackle the more serious area of rape (15). Rapport-though it required delicacy in handlingis crucial to creating a sense of mutual respect, trust and confidentiality even the hardened felons would talk to an interested non judgmental person even if just to break the monotony of prison life (16, 17).

To gain the insight into the interviewees reality, it is necessary to see things from the rapists perspective (18). Neutrality should not be communicated as approval. Yet, disagreements could result to destruction of rapport and compromise future interviews. Therefore, opinion should be given in a candid but careful manner so the interviewee leaves feeling positive about his or her participation (17).

Subject protection is a done in all research projects that receive federal funding. Prisoners present unique problems in relation to obtaining voluntary informed consent hence no mention of the fact that men were rapists, as it would have caused them embarrassment and shame (19,21). Full explanations on risks and safeguards, and the interviewees rights was made clear and permission to confirm the validity of the interview data obtained (23,25).

Studies have shown that prisoners are prone to lying, fabrication and manipulation. However, this seems to serve their purpose for approval since their chances of parole depend on the assessment of staff researcher. Some admitted to raping but understated their use of force and violence. Others did not think that their actions constituted rape. The rest denied outright any sexual contact with their victims pleading mistaken identity (27, 28).

Cooperation from State Department of Corrections and the prison staff was beyond expectation. However, hitches -riots and lock ups- were inevitable at times. Delays due to scheduling mishaps, inmate transfers and occasional absenteeism, power outages and lack of interview rooms were just some of the obstacles encountered (29). Bad weather and lack of air conditioning at times made the long interviews almost unbearable (30).

Conclusion
Research in prisons involving convicted rapists seem to bear the most insightful information  into the rapists mind and even greater efforts should be directed in facilitating research of this kind in order to effectively understand rapists, how and why they commit these crimes.