It is a common misconception that child molesters are strangers who are out of work junkies. However, research shows that child molesters don’t have to look creepy or come from lower social class and bad backgrounds. In fact, child molesters can be your own neighbors, friends, and even family members. Unfortunately, this means that child molesters can molest their own nieces, nephews, friends’ children, and neighbors’ children.

Characteristics of a Child Molester

Many people assume that a married person who is educated and seems like a decent person couldn’t be a child molester, but research proves that child molesters come from every part of society in Sarasota, throughout Florida, and nationwide. This means that your brother-in-law, husband’s best friend, cousin, or neighbor could abuse children. In fact, research indicates that about 90 percent of child molesters target their own families or know the child well. Unfortunately, children are at risk of being sexually abused by adults in their own family or friends of their parents. In many cases, a child molester might not be a family member, but it could be someone who knows the child from church, school, the Boy Scouts, YMCA, or another organization.

Men and women—and even older children—can be child abusers, which means there isn’t one profile in determining a child molester. However, research shows that most child molesters are men. In fact, an estimated 1 out of 3,300 women and 1 in 20 men are child sex abusers. For this reason, teenage boys and adult men fit the typical profile of a child molester, which is why most statistics focus on men.

Facts About Child Molesters, According to the Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study

  • 77 percent are married
  • 93 percent are religious
  • 46 percent are college educated
  • 30 percent are high school graduates
  • 65 percent are employed

Defining the Terms

  • Child Molester – Is considered an adult or older child who gets sexual gratification from touching a child.
  • Child Molestation – Is the act of sexually touching a child.

We aren’t trying to scare you by informing you that a child molester could be in your own family or live next door to you, but we are trying to open your eyes so that you realize the majority of child sexual abusers aren’t strangers to your children. This way you can better protect your children—even if it’s talking to them about the difference between a good touch and a bad touch. Because we want to help save more children from being molested and abused in Florida, we encourage you to share this article on Facebook or Twitter to help spread awareness.

Damian Mallard, Esq.
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Board Certified Sarasota Personal Injury Attorney