Child Sex OffendersUnderstanding

Characteristics of An Abuser

Background behavior, thought processes,

physical/biological and other common characteristics

Relationship to their Victims

Process of Abuse how, when, where and to whom it

occurs

What is a Sex Offender?Patterns of Behavior

Not All Child Sex Offenders are Pedophiles

Fixated PedophileRegressed Pedophile

OpportunistStressed Molester

Similar Backgrounds

MaleRigid religious background

IsolatedAbused themselvesEntitled, controlling

Important Note

No pattern in physical, racial, social, economic or professional background

Four Basic Elements

Sexual ArousalEmotional Congruence

BlockageDisinhibition

Who are Sex Offenders?Relationship to Victims

Known and Trusted

75% are friends, neighbors or acquaintances

Access to childrenGain trust of both child and parents

Found anywhere

Incest

Makes up 20% of child sexual abuse cases

Part of larger cycle of abuse

Opportunistic

Chances of Getting Caught

Only 3% are caughtNot reportedChildren not always believed

Statistics from prosecuted cases

How Do They Abuse Children?Standard Patterns of Abuse

Grooming

Access to childrenVulnerable and NeedyProvides attention, gifts, comfort

Tests child’s reaction

Avoid Being Caught

Isolated locationCareful and organized

Avoid potential witnesses

Recidivism

Four times more likely to reoffend

Required to attend treatment

Same rate for treated and untreated offenders

Sex Offender Registry

ResourcesPlaces for Information and Help

Resources

Utah State Sex Offender Registry Site http://corrections.utah.gov/services/sonar.html

Utah Division of Child and Family Services Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline 1-855-323-3237

Rape Recovery Center Salt Lake City (801) 467-7273 http://raperecoverycenter.org/

Prevent Child Abuse Utah (Ogden) 801-393-3366 or 1-800-CHILDREN http://preventchildabuseutah.org/

Darkness To Light http://www.d2l.org/

Understanding the ThreatAnd Where it Comes From

Works Cited

Abel, Gene, et. al. “Self-Reported Sex Crimes of Nonincarcerated Paraphiliacs.” Journal of Interpersonal Violence. Sage Publications, 1987. Web. 28 June 2011.

  Administration for Children and Families. “Perpetrators by Relationship to

Victims and Selected Types of Maltreatment.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004. Web. 28 June 2011.

Cooper, Gregory M. and Michael R. King. Predators: Who They Are and How to Stop Them. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2007. Print.

Darkness to Light. “7 Steps to Protecting Our Children.” Darkness to Light: End Child Sexual Abuse. Darkness to Light, N.d. Web. 28 June 2011.

Rowan, Edward L. Understanding Child Sexual Abuse. Jackson, MS: University Press of Mississippi, 2006. Print.

Sax, Robin. Predators and Child Molesters: What Every Parent Needs to Know to Keep Kids Safe. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2009. Print.