Characteristics of False Allegation Adult Crimes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify common factors in false allegation adult crimes, by examining the dynamics involved in 30 confirmed false allegation cases. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of these adjudicated cases and then completed a collection instrument to capture offender demographics, offense characteristics, and motive. The results indicated that most false allegation crimes were committed by women (73.3%) and Caucasians (93.3%). Data indicated that more interpersonally violent allegations were primarily motivated by attention/sympathy needs (50.0%), whereas more impersonal offenses involved other motivations such as providing an alibi (16.7%) or profit (13.3%). Offenders tended to be younger, high school graduates with no higher education (43.3%). A total of 23.3% of offenders had a prior criminal history. Male offenders appeared as likely as women to be motivated by attention/sympathy; however, men tended to select more violent, nonsexual offenses (e.g., attempted murder) than women.

Motives for Filing a False Allegation of Rape

“…The three major categories of alibi, revenge, and sympathy or attention were also found by other researchers (McNamara, McDonald, & Lawrence, 2012 ). McNamara et al studied 30 false allegations that were submitted by other law enforcement agencies to the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ (FBI) National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime (NCAVC) during a 15-year period.…”

“…The difference, however, is that revenge, an alibi, and attention or sympathy are emotional gains while a motive like a promotion to a better job is more a material gain. McNamara et al ( 2012 ) also reported that some complainants were motivated by profit, i.e., material gain. But there are still other motives for a complainant to file a false allegation.…”

Purported False Allegations of Rape, Child Abuse and Non-Sexual Violence

“…102 This echoes the wider literature which suggests that many false accusers are vulnerable in the sense of being young 103 or suffering from mental health problems, 104 Munchausen by Proxy, 105 learning disabilities, 106 or narcotic addiction. 107 In their analysis of 30 cases involving false allegations, McNamara et al found false claims were made in relation to a range of criminal offences 108 and resulted from such factors as mental illness and financial problems. Both males and females also made false allegations to gain 'attention and sympathy.'…”

Rape, Defendant Anonymity and Evidence‐Based Policy Making

“…In their analysis of 30 cases of false allegations, McNamara et al found false claims were made in relation to a range of criminal offences. They also found that the allegations resulted from such factors as mental illness and financial problems. Both males and females made false allegations in order to gain ‘attention and sympathy.’ Such people, they argue ‘utilise an event they believe will yield the strongest response from others.’ They note that the types of offences which attract false complaints differ, to some degree, between men and women.…”

“…In their analysis of 30 cases of false allegations, McNamara et al found false claims were made in relation to a range of criminal offences. 70 They also found that the allegations resulted from such factors as mental illness and financial problems. Both males and females made false allegations in order to gain 'attention and sympathy.'…”