What characterizes a power-reassurance rapist?

A power-reassurance rapist is characterized by their need for power and control, which is often achieved through planned actions. These individuals may carefully select their victims and create scenarios that allow them to exert dominance, often with the intent to boost their confidence and self-image rather than to inflict harm. This contrasts with other types of rapists who may act out violently without premeditation or inflict pain purely for their own gratification.

The behavior of a power-reassurance rapist typically involves a careful approach where the focus is on establishing control rather than causing physical injury. Their reliance on planning means they create situations where they can feel powerful, which is central to their psychological motivations. Understanding this characterization helps identify typical behavioral patterns in offenders, which can be critical in prevention and intervention strategies.