3.6: Extra-Familial Abusers

Extra-Familial Abusers

Although a significant amount of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by family members or others who are close to the child, casual friends, acquaintances and even strangers do exploit and abuse children. We must remember that child sexual abuse includes not only the inappropriate touching of children but also using children in pornography, prostitution and sex trafficking. Researchers have found that the greater the emotional bond between the perpetrator and the victim, the greater the potential for harm. This in no way excludes the idea that harm is inflicted on a child no matter who the perpetrator is. Lingering trauma or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is prevalent for many victims, especially if violence was a part of the abuse.

 

Perpetrators who are known to the child or family may have gained trust of the parents, causing them to be less suspicious of potential harm. Some parents may suspect something inappropriate, but feel they are dependent upon the services or relationship of the abuser and simply overlook or squelch their concerns. Other parents may not provide supervision of their children, allowing the perpetrator easier access to the child. Perhaps the parents are unable to provide supervision, feel that the child can take care of themselves, or may be unaware of periods in which the child is not being supervised. Although this may sound questionable, it happens daily for thousands of children. Children who walk home from school, those may be home alone for an hour or two in the afternoon, young teens who are old enough to stay by themselves, and children who are placed in the care of someone who fails to provide adequate supervision of the children are all examples of how lack of supervision leads to vulnerability in every-day situations. Sometimes a child is vulnerable because of their own decisions; children who run away or ditch school set themselves up to be targeted by predators. Many predators these days rely on access to children via the Internet; family members are often in the same or next room and totally unaware that their child is being victimized.

 

Pedophiles are individuals who have sexual interests in children. These perpetrators may have low self-esteem and find children easier targets, or they may be attempting to live out something unsettled from their own childhood. They often utilize fantasy as part of their sexual acts. Some pedophiles may be sadistic or mentally unstable, but the majority tend to be somehow suffering from attachment issues. Those small minority of molesters who are sadistic may use more force than necessary to overcome their child victim, sometimes killing the child. These people may select children who represent something the abuser hates in himself or a memory of disturbance from his childhood. Pedophiles who are not sadistic may use enticement as a way of drawing in their victims; this may include gifts, treats or affection. Once the child is enticed the pedophile may revert to entrapment to keep the child feeling indebted or obligated to continue the relationship. Abusers who force themselves on their victims are more motivated by completing a sexual act. These perpetrators simply see the child as an object to be exploited and manipulated for their own satisfaction. Although they may not intend to harm their victims, physical and emotional injury does occur.

 

You may recall from earlier modules that pederasty was practiced among early Greeks. In those situations, the family hired a man to tutor and provide education and mentorship to their young sons, training them to become men in all ways including sexually. Pederasty exists today in different ways and varies from culture to culture. Many cultures consider this practice taboo, whereas others do not. Regardless, pederasty is the abuse of boys especially those between the ages of 12 and 16 years old, for sexual purposes, perpetrated by men older than 18. It is considered by most to be another form of pedophilia.