Much occurs through people of trust.  People with corrupt intentions can be extremely clever and are often very patient. 

An abuser is such because they have a position of power.  This may be through authority, trust, manipulation, fear, force.

Much crime occurs though opportunity.  A person with a mind towards a certain action will see an opportunity to act and do so without forethought or planning but with quick action and/or violence.

1.  My personal goal in this session/booklet: To input to the listeners think tank and give simple practical ideas.

2.  And the goal as parents I believe it is to:  Equip children to live and move safely in the community in increasing degrees as they grow towards adulthood.

THE PROBLEM
The problem is that we live in a society showing symptoms of serious illness.  One which is rightfully outraged at violent and predatory behaviour against children but that increasingly lessens the governing standards (as far as media goes) that contribute towards that predatory behaviour.  One that denies sexual imagery has impact in the way people live out their lives yet panders and markets to that same end.

Watching TV shows with sexual content apparently hastens the initiation of teen sexual activity.

Sexual talk on TV has the same effect on teens as depictions of sex. http://www.rand.org/health

THE REALITIES

1.  That most people regardless of age, race, faith base or values do not commit or wish harm to a child.  But those that do are found throughout every facet of society - spanning gender, age, and perceived respectability.  They are mixed throughout families, economic areas, clubs, churches, workplaces, playgrounds and shopping centres – every place that people congregate.  Predators of children will gravitate to places where there are children.  Just as predators of women will be found wherever there are women in potentially vulnerable situations. 

2.  That most crimes of a sexual nature are committed by people with whom the child has relationship and is therefore in a position of trust. 

This may be a family member or another individual that may have spent years cultivating relationship - someone who has authority over the child or some form of real or perceived power.

I have read that there is porn and paedophile literature available which instructs it’s readers on these issues.  The gaining of trust… the need for patience… lures and ploys that work and further still - indoctrinating it’s readers that they are doing a child a ‘favour or service’ in releasing them into their sexuality.

4.  That the number of people with harmful and predatory behaviours is growing.  The ages for such behaviour is inclusive of those younger and younger.  The instances are increasing. 

Often people wonder if these things are really happening more or if it’s just that people are more open about these things now.  I believe both parts of the question to be true.

Varying statistics say that 1/3 – 1/5 women are abused in their lifetime

http://www.house.gov/roybal-allard/ht_violence.htm

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1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.

1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.

1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the internet.

Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under.

30-40% of victims are abused by a family member.

Another 50% are abused by someone outside of the family whom they know and trust.

Approximately 40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know.

Therefore, only 10% are abused by strangers.

The median age for reported abuse is 9 years old.

More than 20% of children are sexually abused before the age of 8.

Nearly 50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling are children under 12.                           

http://www.darkness2light.org/KnowAbout/statistics_2.asp