CHURCH BOARD GUIDE TO A CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
preoccupied with screening stereotypes, while not suspecting the real molesters. Consider the following statistics:
• Over 80 percent of the time, the abuser is known to the victim • Most abuse takes place within the context of an ongoing relationship
• The typical offender is usually between 20–30 years of age • 20 percent of sex offenders begin their activity before the age of 18
• Child abusers are often married and have children of their own
Preferential sex offenders Preferential offenders have a particular sexual preference, often for children of a particular age and gender. While these individuals are few in number, a single perpetrator can molest hundreds of children. They are extremely dangerous because of their predatory nature. They actively seek victims and will engage in bold, repeated attempts to molest children. These individuals develop long-term patterns of abu- sive behaviors, and are willing to invest significant amounts of time, energy, money, and other resources to fulfill their sexual needs. Preferential molesters may be victims of sexual abuse, are generally
male, single, over 25 years of age, and living alone or with their parents, although none of these factors may be significant. They have excessive interest in children, often seeking access to them. They may also move frequently in order to avoid being caught, may maintain pornographic collections, and may also photograph children. Preferential sex offenders pose a unique and serious danger to
churches, especially because they probably seem to be ideal candidates for children’s ministry work. They enjoy being with children, and will spend an excessive amount of time socializing with them. They are also very intentional and selective concerning their victims. Over time, they refine their skills in seducing children. Furthermore, these indi- viduals may be hardworking, skilled individuals in their everyday work life, and maybe among the best and most dedicated of all church work- ers. They may even develop good relationships with the parents of the children they molest. Since most churches find it hard to recruit adults to work with children, finding someone that enjoys being with children, and who
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