Stranger Violence

Aspects of Violence between Strangers

Stranger violence can be comprised of spontaneous and impulsive acts, such as everyday arguments that [Page 1581]turn violent. It often occurs under circumstances that are conducive to confrontations and conflicts that intensify interactions into explosive encounters. In contrast, stranger violence may also be planned and calculated, as in the case of serial murderers who stalk their victims.

There are a number of reasons related to lifestyles and routines that can aid in explaining why certain groups of people are more likely to be violently victimized by strangers than others, namely those in younger age groups. People in younger age groups are less likely to be married or have family obligations. In addition, they are less likely to have employment obligations that require a full-time commitment. This lack of formal responsibility allows for more time to pursue activities in public places, which in turn increases a person's chances of coming into contact with strangers. Evenings spent outside the home also provide opportunities to consume alcohol and drugs, and to come into contact with others who have consumed these substances, which increases the odds of encountering violence.

Offender motivation in stranger violence may be instrumental, expressive, or both. Robberies, burglaries, occupational crimes, and auto thefts are primarily motivated by instrumental rewards, such as acquiring money or property, while crimes such as homicides, rapes, and assaults are more often expressive acts motivated by a desire for power, control, or possibly, revenge, which occurs in the heat of the moment. There are also crimes in which the offender is motivated by a combination of the two, such as an offender committing robbery for monetary gain as well as for a sense of power and control.

Possible Explanations

A variety of theories have been proposed to account for stranger violence, including personality traits, gang membership, and biological explanations. Explanations with the most empirical support include alcohol and drug explanations. A large proportion of stranger violence is drug related, with the alcohol-related violence occurring most frequently of all. Estimates of the involvement of drug and alcohol use in crimes of murder, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and robbery range between 30 and 50 percent. Due to the fact that alcohol and drugs are both substances that impair judgment and reduce inhibitions, a majority of homicides and assaults involve the use of either or both substances by the offender, the victim, or both. Alcohol and drugs may furnish offenders with the courage to perform criminal acts, or they may motivate an offender to commit robberies in support of expensive drug and alcohol habits. In addition, alcohol use may reduce victims' capacities to defend themselves, making them more attractive targets for violent offenders.

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