Sex offenders come from all walks of life and from all socio-economic groups. They can be male or female, rich or poor, employed or unemployed, religious or non-religious, educated or uneducated, and from any race. Although some sex offenders are strangers and stalkers, many know to the victim as a family member, friend, or neighbor. They win a child s trust and then take advantage of that trust.
Potential victims are likely to be children that are poor, neglected, loners, or runaways.
Many pedophiles seek out mothers of single parent families for the purpose of victimizing children. Sex offenders like playgrounds and other places where children congregate. Most sex offenders groom their victims prior to any crime. Enticing with attention, affection, gifts, promises, and providing alcohol and pornography to lower inhibitions. Participating in activities with teens, often excluding other adults, or trying to get teens into situations where no other adults are present.