No, not all abusers are the same. Like any other population there is a wide range of behavior and a variety of people who sexually abuse children. With specialized treatment and full accountability for their crimes, many abusers can change and never offend again. However, child sexual abuse in any form is a crime and must be dealt with first through the legal system. We work to get everyone who wants to change the best treatment available and help them never to hurt a child again.
People abuse children for a sense of power and a sense of pleasure.
They may seek children to abuse because they have had a long history of sexual attraction to children or because they took advantage of an opportunity to abuse a child in their trust. They may have started abusing because they had been abused before or because they never learned the behavior is wrong and is a crime. We need to teach children about safety. We, as adults, also need to learn more about abuse and abusers. Here are some things that you and your family can do to prevent the sexual abuse of a child you know and love.