[ThomasC]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

No I don't think all rapists and abusers are mentally ill, far from it. They may have serious social deficiencies in their life that have led them down a path of anger, violence and entitlement but that's not the same thing as a mental illness. Take a look at the historical stats and figures relating to any invading military force in history; Romans, Vikings, the European conquest of the Americas... rape and abuse were absolutely rife. Were all of those people "mentally ill"? No they were just violently rampaging and knew they would get away with it.

I wish I thought all rapists and abusers were mentally ill, I really do. Unfortunately with my wife working full time with the victims of domestic abuse and rape, I'm too painfully aware of just how common it actually is to think it's likely that all abusers are mentally unwell. It's absolutely everywhere, in places you wouldn't even imagine, from people you wouldn't imagine. Horrifying.

edit] I think I can shorten this, really;

I think there are many, many deeply immoral people in the world, and I don't believe that immorality is a mental illness.

I don't think it's common for people to think they're mentally unwell, like I say I think people view it completely differently and don't have the empathy for someone who is genuinely unwell and has gone on to commit rape or abuse someone. Personal feelings override that.

Yeah not all, but some will be. They obviously have issues anyway.