Paedophilia is a psychiatric disorder in which adults are attracted to children 13 years or younger.
We all teach our kids about stranger danger, however, most times the danger is much closer to home.
Here are some facts:
– 95% of abusers are male.
– They can be single or have a family of their own.
– 95% of abusers are known to the family, they will be a trusted friend or family member.
These offenders are skilled at deception and conniving, they groom both the child and the family.
They always plan their abuse carefully and might be involved with the family for years before they attempt to hurt the child.
They will threaten the child for the abuse to stay a secret, getting caught will be catastrophic for this offender.
Paedophiles choose their victims carefully, they target parents who are busy or who might need extra help, and they also target children who are less likely to speak out.
They will give this child extra attention and make them feel special, they will start with a small touch on the child’s hand or shoulder to check their reaction.
We often read about cases in the media where girls and boys are abused by their parents or step-parents.
This happens often but any person known to the child as an authority figure can be an abuser, like a teacher or a pastor.
Remember the piece I did on The Station Strangler?
He was a primary school teacher and it is believed that he abused and killed 22 boys.
I recently read an article about four brothers who were abused by their uncle, these boys only revealed what happened to them when they were adults.
We can never be too careful when it comes to our children.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
– Will be popular with adults and children.
– Will appear to be respectable and trustworthy.
– Prefers the company of children.
– Groom children with quality time, gifts, and money.
– Will single out troubled children.
– Often gets involved with single mothers whose children are the age of his preferred victims.
– Will find different ways to be alone with the child.
The effects of sexual abuse on children are detrimental, and once this happens there is no undo button.
Be careful who you leave your children with.
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