Are there typical characteristics of people who sexually abuse children?

FAQ Category:

Adult's Behaviors

NO. There is no such thing as a “typical” person who sexually abuses children. However, a number of characteristics in people — whether male, female, or gender non-conforming — can serve as warning signs. Understanding these attributes in oneself and others and seeking treatment can help prevent and end the sexual abuse of children.

What are characteristics of people who sexually abuse children?

Males, females, and others across the gender spectrum may sexually abuse children. They can include fathers, mothers, step-parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, siblings, and cousins. They can be neighbors, babysitters, religious leaders, teachers, and coaches. They come from all different social classes, races, religions, and sexual orientations. From what we know, most of those who sexually abuse children are males, but many are females, too. We also know a little bit about what causes child sexual abuse. Some people who sexually abuse children have adult sexual relationships and are not only sexually attracted to children.

More than a third of those who engage in sexual behavior with children are under the age of 18 themselves [3]. In many cases, youth may not understand that their sexual behaviors toward another child are harmful or abusive.

It’s important to remember that many terms used to describe people who sexually abuse children, like "pedophile" or "sex offender," are often misused according to their clinical or legal definition. And, media stereotypes of "child predators" and "monsters" may actually make it harder for us to recognize and respond when we notice inappropriate behaviors in people we know. Research shows that children are most at risk of being sexually abused by a family member or someone else they know and trust. In fact, over 90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone close to the child [2].

What are the warning signs that someone may be at-risk to harm a child?

While it’s not possible to create a profile of someone who will sexually abuse a child, some warning signs can increase the likelihood of such abuse. For example, research shows that people with more antisocial traits are more likely to act on sexual attraction to minors. Additionally, major family issues and a strong emotional connection with children can also be characteristics of adults that increase the risk of child sexual abuse [1; 4]. Even though there is a connection between certain warning signs and people who sexually abuse a child, it's important to understand that these factors do not predict who will abuse a child. In other words, you can't identify someone who might sexually abuse a child just by looking at these attributes alone.

How can we identify warning signs and prevent child sexual abuse?

In our guidebook, Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Facts about sexual abuse and how to prevent it, we share: “We can’t tell who they are by the way they look. What they have in common is that they think about sexual interactions with children and then they act on those thoughts by sexually abusing a child.” In our Circle of Safety Trainings, we stress the importance of paying attention to warning signs in an adult’s behaviors, and even gut feelings. Preventing child sexual abuse is not possible without recognizing it as a possibility, and taking actions to prevent it. Our tip sheet, “Don’t Wait: Everyday Actions to Keep Kids Safe,” suggests other preventative actions that all adults can take to keep kids safe before any harm or abuse occurs.

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References
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

[2] Finkelhor, D., & Shattuck, A. (2012). Characteristics of crimes against juveniles. Durham, NH: Crimes Against Children Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.unh.edu/ccrc/pdf/CV26_Revised%20Characteristics%20 of%20Crimes%20against%20Juveniles_5-2-12.pdf

[3] Gewirtz-Meydan, A., & Finkelhor, D. (2020). Sexual Abuse and Assault in a Large National Sample of Children and Adolescents. Child Maltreatment, 25(2), 203–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077559519873975

[4] Hermann, C. A., McPhail, I. V., Helmus, L. M., & Hanson, R. K. (2017). Emotional congruence with children is associated with sexual deviancy in sexual offenders against children. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 61(12), 1311-1334. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X15620830