Why do rapists try to contact victims after the assault?

Rapists often try to contact victims after an assault for various reasons. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Power and Control: Rapists may attempt to contact victims to maintain a sense of power and control over them. By reaching out, they reinforce the victim's fear and vulnerability and assert their dominance.

2. Grooming: Some rapists engage in grooming behavior, which involves building trust and rapport with victims before assaulting them. After the assault, they may continue this behavior, trying to manipulate or coerce victims into further interactions or silence.

3. Intimidation: Rapists may contact victims to intimidate and silence them from reporting the assault or seeking help. By threatening or harassing victims, they attempt to prevent them from speaking out and seeking justice.

4. Need for Closure: In some cases, rapists might reach out to victims to seek closure or a sense of resolution. They may feel a need to justify their actions or seek some form of validation or forgiveness from their victims.

5. Mental Health Issues: Rapists may have underlying mental health issues, such as personality disorders, that contribute to their behavior. These issues can lead to a lack of empathy and an inability to understand the harm they have caused, motivating them to reach out to victims.

6. Lack of Remorse: Some rapists may not feel remorse or guilt for their actions and genuinely believe that they did nothing wrong. They might reach out to victims with no understanding of the trauma they have inflicted.

7. Curiosity: In rare cases, rapists may contact victims out of curiosity about their emotional state or reaction to the assault. They might want to gauge the impact of their actions or try to understand the victim's perspective.

It's essential to understand that regardless of the reasons, contacting victims after an assault is unacceptable and further traumatizes them. It is crucial for victims to seek support, report the assault to authorities, and take necessary steps to protect themselves from further harm.