I ASKED - WHO ARE THE PERPETRATORS OF CHILD ABUSE?

The above subject is a big question today! However, studies on who commits child sexual abuse vary in their findings, but the most common finding is that the majority of sexual offenders are family members. Sexual abuse by strangers is not nearly as common as sexual abuse by family members. Research further shows that men perpetrate most instances of sexual abuse, but there are cases in which women are the offenders. Despite a common myth, homosexual men are not more likely to sexually abuse children than heterosexual men. Most times, people assume that perpetrators have psychiatric challenges that explain why an adult picks on a child or children to initiate sexual acts. This from their perspective is otherwise not accurate. Most perpetrators are quite intelligent and do have a high IQ if I may add. If you care to review the circumstances surrounding the initiation you will see carefully planned patterns that reflect in the selection, grooming and initiating the main sexual act – it is obvious that they are master minds. Perpetrators will go to great lengths to gain access to children. They will volunteered as Sunday school teacher, youth church leader, worked as guidance counselors, swimming coach, lesson teacher – pro bono, day-care worker, P.E. Teacher coached youth athletic teams, give free home lessons, Arabic teachers, imams, pastors and more.

            Interesting to note is that these group of people live behind the mask that society bestows on them and fall under our socio- nomenclature. “Don’t you know him, he is a very respectable man, God fearing, supports the poor, serves in the community.”Another person exclaims, “It is not possible, she cannot. I do not believe them. They want to destroy her family name. It is unimaginable. Who did she offend?” Our sentimental falsehood blinds us from seeing the tale signs that danger is looming or just round our corner if not already taken us hostage. It is vital to know that both males and females are perpetuating sexually abuse. Adults, young adults, teenagers and older children are potential abusers. Once 3 – 6 years gap exists between the parties’ abuse is occurring.