True or False:    Molesters know their victims and are able to carry out their manipulation (grooming) because they are trusted and even admired by their victims. 

Oprah's show and why you should "turn in" child molesters


The Oprah show featured an episode where Oprah interviewed four (4) convicted child molesters. These individuals candidly answered questions we all wish we could ask. The interview was insightful on many levels for parents, guardians and even children who are going through sexual abuse or molestation as you read this. Below are a few of the excerpts from the viewing.

The answer to the question above is "True" and "Grooming" is the act of preparing (setting up) a child for rape, molestation or abuse)

Perpetrator "Warning Signs"

• Perpetrators pay more attention to children than to adults.

• Perpetrators look for children who are neglected or needy and or who innocently give love to those who pay attention to them. This leaves the door open for manipulation and grooming.

• Perpetrators also look for children who are angry, or looking for retaliiation against you, the parent. The child is not thinking straight and this can make them prime for manipulation.

• Perpetrators work hard to build trust with children and the family (this looks like empathy, sympathy, consoling). They make their victims feel comfortable with their touch, a hand on the shoulder or a hug, winning the childs trust over time.

What you can do

• Trust your instincts or guts. If you feel uncomfortable, act!

• Be alert! Pay attention. Avoid letting your kid get to friendly with men..ie sitting on  their laps or hugging on them, etc.

• Most kids won't say anything, because their perpetrator has a way of making them feel guilty or that they will be the cause for the family arguments or even breakup. Some perpetrator may even threaten the child or their family.

• While you think your kid will tell you, the reality is that they often times will not, even when asked repeatedly

• Listen to children. When a child does say they've been abused, trust them, they don't make stuff like that up.

Turn in, anyone you know who is a child sexual perpetrator. Why? Because doing so, will increase the likelihood of getting the molester the help they need, but most importantly it will save your child's life.