Myths vs. Facts

Myths
Most offenders are strangers.
All offenders were sexually abused as children.
All offenders look creepy and weird.
Facts
Adults who sexually abuse children usually know the child in some capacity.
There is a much higher percentage of males than females sexually offending against children.
Adults who sexually abuse children can also be in adult sexual relationships.
Offenders may test a child’s boundaries in front of other adults by ‘accidentally’ touching the child in private areas while rubbing her/his back, tickling, wrestling, cuddling, etc.
Sexual abuse that does not include contact can still have a psychological and emotional impact on victims.
Some offenders know as early as adolescence that they have a sexual interest in children.