What made those men into despicable animals in the Nirbahya case on December 16th, 2012 on the roads of our capital or 8-year old Asifa’s rape in Kathua in Kashmir?

Someone like them, or not so like them may be present in the workplace, or in our surroundings. But, there is an underline process within their thinking which is similar for all of them.

The psychopathology of a sexual predator stems from their thinking and childhood experiences. Not many times the names of the sexual predator will be on the news or TV channels. The presence of sexual predators is in the office itself, where they can find a lot of opportunities for consensual sex. But, the experience of sexual activity is just to have a shallow sexual encounter. The “excitement” for them is derived from the feeling of “control”.

The most common trait between a psychopath and a sexual predator is their idea of control and dominance. They cherish the idea of control and while they indulge in sexual predation, the consideration of the other doesn’t matter. They are attacking or having sex just because they want to control the other. Hence, the chase becomes an “exciting” activity for them. Also, there is a conscious uncontrollable belief within them that they are irresistible and anyone they select will like them. Many times, this belief is reinforced by how they act or present themselves. A certain level of narcissistic effect takes place.

For a sexual predator, sex is always on their mind. It is not their addiction but their want, hence they will be in constant lookout for their “prey”. This lookout is not gendered specific, but on an unconscious level, it is experience specific. Thus, according to their processing and challenge level, they try and seek out place and person. This person can be a woman, a man, a teenage girl/boy, or even a child. Thus, creating a pattern of excitement and dominance for them.

Their unconscious fantasy is to achieve a situation where they are the one who is creating a dominance. They will look for the perfect opportunity to create this situation. Going back to it again, sex will not have a meaning for them. Even in the situation of rape, the person will not have to do anything with the needs or sex, but the excitement of dominance and owning the other as a property. Sexual predator’s sex life with their girlfriend or wife or husband or boyfriend is not affected because their sexual needs are still fulfilled through them. But, while they are approaching someone they have selected, they will only look at the level of dominance they can conquer the other person.

Their psychological functions depend on four aspects:

Power and Control:

As said earlier, power and control are the most important factor for them. The self-image of the person is to dominate others. They proceed to do this when they are pursuing whomsoever they find attractive.

Uniqueness:

They consider themselves to be the unique person sexually. They feel that they are irresistible. Thus, being able to satisfy every need of the other person. Hence, the right and wrong for them are made by them and their own rules.

Deception:

Mostly, they are extremely intelligent hence, they are able to lie very cleverly. Along with lies, they are highly deceptive. They will and can become something the other person wants them to be. Thus, even their close ones aren’t able to look through their deceit. This behaviour further adds to their narcissistic self.

A sense of Invincibility:

They have this belief that they are invincible. They are able to easily shut off the sense of consequences. Thus, considering themselves as untouchable and invincible. Hence, when they are actually caught, they don’t feel any remorse for their actions but they feel that how can they be caught. Thus, feeling that they are the victims. The sense of empathy becomes nil for them.

The issue of sexual predators is still on a rise, be it in the workplace or outside the workplace. There are different laws which are coming up to punish them. But, these laws will not affect them because they would still believe they are invincible. Hence, it is our duty to be on a lookout for them. These people are suffering from a mental health issue. Thus, it is important to report them.

Mentriq by Dr. Prerna Kohli is India’s top Mental Health Counseling Provider. To learn more about Mentriq click here  http://mentriq.in/about-mental-health-services/