Sadism is different from minor manifestations of aggression in normative sexual activity. At the extreme end of the spectrum, sexual sadism involves brutal rape or torture of victims. Even more extreme is lust murder, in which death of the victim produces sexual excitement. Sexual sadism must sometimes be differentiated from rape, a complex amalgam of sex and power over the victim. However, inflicting suffering is not the motive for most rapists, and the victim's suffering usually does not increase the rapist's sexual excitement.
Sexual sadism is usually chronic.
When practiced with nonconsenting partners, this criminal activity is likely to continue until the sadist is apprehended. All rights reserved.