Family Matters

Child Sexual Abuse – Consider the Reality

In light of the recent reports of child sexual abuse by a trusted coach with Penn State I am sharing some important insights that ALL those who have responsibilities for children should consider. But this is much more than opinion.

What I am sharing is based on my background, training, and experience as a:
·         Retired criminal investigator that have investigated crime against children in the U.S. and abroad.
·         Developer and instructor of a national child sex abuse investigation training program.
·         Foster parent who has provided a safe haven for more than 30 children.
·         Leader in a child welfare agency.
·         As the parent of two daughters who were stalked by a sexual predator now serving a length prison
      sentence.

 I can assure you that child sexual abuse is a threat to every family with children in America. I have seen the worst of the worst.  Please understand, child sexual abuse is a silent epidemic! 

It can happen to any family.  You can never be too vigilant.


·         90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members.
·         Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.

In the past I have personally taken into custody a physician, a clergyman, a scout leader and a elementary school teacher.  Please understand the typically child sex offender is a well respected member of society, is a skilled communicator, very friendly and engaging and often well educated.

In a future blog post I will address what parents and others responsible for the well being of children can do the protect the children they love.