Unfortunately we live in not just a corrupt world, but also a world filled with pedophiles, lurking around us. Pedophiles are mostly hard to identify. With so many stories heard and for all the stories untold; it is imperative that we are aware of such offenders. Child molesters can be of any age group and they operate differently. Some can be serial child molesters and some focus on one child. Most plan their move well in advance and can be sneakier; the other type act on impulse and on opportunity. In any case, all sex offenders are equally dangerous and must be kept away from your children.
Do remember that molesters are typically NOT strangers. In fact, 95% of the times, these offenders have a relationship with their victims and the family. The very first sign that a molester gives away is his deceptive behavior. Pedophiles have a selfish ulterior motive for their behavior and any exposure they have to children is for the purpose of satisfying their pervert needs.
Enlisted here are 10 warning signs to look out for in a stranger showing a keen interest in your child.
- A person who time and again ignores physical, emotional or social boundaries or limits. He/She would single out a child as a “special friend” and the affection exhibited can be overwhelming.
- They tend to develop an age-inappropriate relationship with that child and the person showers the child with gifts.
- The person would indulge in unwarranted hugging, touching, kissing, tickling, wrestling with or holding a child even when the child does not want this physical contact or attention.
- Someone who often insists upon or suggests a lot of uninterrupted “alone” time with a child.
- Inappropriate personal or private information will be shared with the child, that should normally be only shared with adults.
- Frequent reference or sharing of sexual images or telling inappropriate, narrating suggestive stories or jokes with children present.
- This person would seem extremely interested in the sexuality of a particular child or teen, and will repeatedly talk about the child’s developing body.
- Someone who frequently offers to babysit children for free and often.
- Someone who frequently walks in on children/teens in the bathroom.
Remember that a child molester is an expert at relating to kids, he would speak their language, and work very hard at being “one of the gang.”