It's clear that sexual deviants -- predators-- come from all walks of life. We know them. They could be next door. They’re rarely the old, trench-coat wearing exhibitionists we were told they were way back when. I’ve seen statistics that confirm that 90% of sexual abuse victims know their abusers. More than not, they are men who befriend their victims. Fathers, brothers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, Mom's boyfriends, teachers, babysitters, priests.
It just seems that sexual deviance is so widespread, so pervasive in society that we may never be rid of the problem until we understand what really makes these abusers tick. Some food for thought and perhaps part of the healing is identifying behaviors that may indicate a leaning toward or predilection for predatory deeds.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, pedophiles, also referred to as serial child sex abusers, share certain characteristics and behaviors.
1. He is usually an adult male, but some women also sexually abuse children.
2. The abuser is often a past victim of child molestation himself.
3. He seeks out children of the same age he was when he was victimized.
4. He is often married and hard-working.
5. Pedophiles are often employed within a wide range of occupations.
6. They are usually well-liked and respected community members.
7. He may be well-educated and a regular church-goer.
8. He relates better with children than adults.
9. Some prefer boys, some prefer girls.
10. He usually prefers a specific age group of children.
11. Pedophiles take and collect photographs of victims while dressed, nude or in sexual poses.
12. He may collect child-adult pornography.
