WHO ARE THE PERPETRATORS?

It can be anyone. Usually, it is someone very close to the victim: a parent, sibling, family member. Often, it is someone who abuses a bond of trust that has been built over time, and leaves the victim feeling helpless. Teachers, coaches, ministers, are also common perpetrators, regularly placing themselves in positions of authority and power over children.

Some conclusions have been drawn regarding what most perpetrators look like:

• Men perpetrate most sexual abuse and sex crimes.
• Sex offenders against children tend to be juveniles or young adults under the age of 30.⁽⁶⁾
• Most sexual abuse and sex crimes are committed by people who know the victims. Acquaintances are most often the perpetrators, followed my family members and then strangers.

This is true in all forms of CSA, especially domestic human trafficking. Children tend to get manipulated and forced by people who first gain their trust.

Also, it is important to note, that many perpetrators do not stop at just one victim. Studies and statistics show that many move on to numbers of victims in the hundreds, and sometimes - horrifically - in the thousands.

Find out more about the national Sex Offender Registry.