The Personality Profile of Sexual Offenders

Sexual violence is a growing concern in Indonesia, particularly in the Riau province. While previous studies have primarily focused on victims, limited research explores the psychological and social traits of offenders. This study aimed to examine maladaptive personality traits that contribute to sexual violence, emphasizing the interaction between individual psychology and cultural-social dynamics.

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to explore the behaviours and traits of five individuals suspected of committing sexual violence. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and psychological assessments, focusing on personality profiles, social contexts, and cultural influences.

Participants exhibited high levels of neuroticism and low levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness. Common traits included egocentrism, manipulation, and antisocial behavior. Offenses typically involved exploiting trust within familial or close social relationships and occurred in private settings. Key contributing factors were low self-control, elevated sexual drive, and opportunistic decision-making.

The findings indicated a strong association between maladaptive personality traits and the perpetration of sexual violence. These traits, combined with patriarchal cultural norms and weak social deterrents, foster environments conducive to abuse. Offenders often manipulated communal trust, revealing the complex interplay between individual dispositions and socio-cultural structures in Indonesia.

Understanding sexual violence offenders requires an integrated perspective that includes psychological, social, and cultural dimensions. Identifying consistent traits and contextual behaviors provides valuable insights for targeted prevention and rehabilitation strategies within the Indonesian setting.