In the year in which Dennis Nilsen, the UK’s second most prolific serial killer died in prison, forensic psychologist Jennifer Rees will investigate our continuing fascination with these most extreme and repellent criminals. In her talk you will discover how serial killers are classified. What differentiates a Serial Killer from Mass or Spree Killers? What are the differences between Lust Killers, like Dennis Rader (the BTK - Blind, Torture, Kill - Killer), and Visionary killers such as David Berkowitz (Son of Sam)? Jennifer will explore the various categories, using case studies to illustrate and explain the differing psychologies of male and female serial killers.

She will also investigate the phenomenon of Killer Couples, such as Fred and Rose West, and The Moors Murderers, Ian Brady and Myra Hindley, and explore folie à deux syndrome, a.k.a ‘shared psychosis’.

Why are we so fascinated by serial killers (as the existence of this talk demonstrates) ? And why do some women go so far as to fall in love with known serial killers? Jennifer will discuss the clinical knowledge surrounding why serial killers gain admirers, fan mail, and even spouses in light of their atrocious crimes and discuss hybristophilia, a condition where a person becomes sexually aroused and attracted to people who have committed gruesome crimes.

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JENNIFER REES
Jennifer Rees is a Forensics Lecturer and Psychotherapist. Previously she trained Policing recruits on interviewing techniques, as well as dealing with suspects, witnesses and victims. In 2015 she helped set up Beyond Belief, a support group for those who have, or are thinking about, leaving cults. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for Signpost Counselling Charity.