A comparative synthesis of crime statistics and international research to inform sexual offender profiling research in india

Global investigative procedures use sexual offender profiles to assist in identifying and detaining individuals involved in sexual offending behaviour. However, profiling must be tailored for each type of sexual offence based on behaviour patterns, especially due to the heterogeneity of the group. Therefore, this study synthesises global literature on sexual offenders’ behaviour through a systematic review by screening the articles from four databases (APA PsycNet, Scopus, EBSCO, and Google Scholar) following a predefined inclusion criterion. A total of 37 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were analysed using a systematic review with narrative synthesis approach, with framework-based coding and frequency mapping. The data from the articles (i.e., global profiling literature) were extracted and integrated with secondary crime statistics from India (NCRB). The frequently reported indicators associated with sexual offences have been categorised into two major conceptual domains: victim and offender characteristics and crime/crime scene characteristics. These were then compared with Indian crime statistics recorded after the implementation of the new sexual offence laws. Instead of developing an Indian sexual offender profile, this study determines the extent to which Indian crime statistics support offender profiling and also identifies the gaps in the availability of behavioural and psychological data within Indian statistics, limiting the development of evidence-based sexual offender profiles. These findings highlight the need for culturally informed profiling research and offender data collection to support future profiling in India, and list potential future research directions. These results underscore the importance of culturally informed profiling research, improved data collection of offenders, and an evidence-based approach to sexual violence investigations, thus making contributions to the goals of UN SDG 5.