Child sex offenders often relatives or close family friends

While I would agree with the context of the topic, I disagree with calling family members or close acquaintances "Predators or Predatory." Such use distorts the meaning of the word as well as the definition found in relevant federal law:

"Title 42, 14071(a)(3)(E) The term “predatory” means an act directed at a stranger, or a person with whom a relationship has been established or promoted for the primary purpose of victimization." .

8-23-2009 National:

Sexual predators are often someone who is familiar with the child as a relative or close family friend--not usually strangers. The perpetrator has inside knowledge into the world of the child and can exploit and manipulate them into sexual submission and silence much easier than someone who is not well acquainted with the child. Because families rarely report suspicion of abuse from their own relatives; the child is at greater risk to be repeatedly abused by the person who sits across the table from them at family gatherings and holidays. Holiday gatherings with a relative or family friend who has a stronger appetite for children than pumpkin pie, is a dangerous situation for the child who is being targeted for sexual exploitation. Adding alcohol to the mix only increases the risk taking activities of the sex offender.

The predator is normally trusted by other family members and given private moments alone with the child--where the sexual abuse can be a single incident, like an inappropriate comment, caress or kiss, to full blown and repeated molestation, rape and incest. The more severe the abuse, the more likely the child will be subject to silencing tactics such as shaming, exploiting guilt, emotional blackmail, threats of harm to themselves or other family members, mind control, manipulation and other fear games. The fact that stimulation of the sex organs brings physical pleasure can be a weapon in the hands of the predator--blaming the child for wanting or enjoying the sexual encounters. A predator may tell the child that they attracted the sexual attention by dressing too provocatively or standing too closely--shifting or sharing the blame with the child.

The relative or family friend may excuse themselves to read a bedtime story to the child or to help them draw their bath water and get them into their pajamas for bed. Perhaps they offer to drive a pre-teen to a friends house or take a child to the park or movies. The parents may see these things as kind gestures that relieve them of their parental responsibilities and duties. Sadly the perpetrator can often be the child's own mother or father.

Though sexual abuse can happen to any age group or gender by either a male or a female predator--pre-teen and teenage girls are especially at risk around male family and friends. Infants and toddlers are also higher targets because they are unable to blow the whistle on their abuser. Signs that an infant or toddler are being sexually abused include repeated vaginal or urinary tract infections, complaints of pain in the genital and rectal area and strong anxiety when their predator is in the room.

If a family member or friend is taking an unusual interest in a particular child or children in the household--there should be a red flag to other family members to watch for signs of sexual abuse. The scars of sexual abuse can stay with a person into their adult years--negatively affecting their intimate and personal relationships. Speak to children about their private and personal body parts and give them permission to blow the whistle on anyone who may violate their space physically or with inappropriate communication. ..Source.. by Carmen Lytle