The Psychosocial Approach To Sexual Abuse

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The Psychosocial Approach to Sexual Abuse: Profiling the Sexual Predator Abstract Oftentimes, the public wants to know who sex offenders are or who potential sex offenders might be; based on certain personality characteristics, demographics, or other variables, perhaps because of their understandable desire to be able to spot these individuals and take protective measures. In fact, for those who are operating under myths or misperceptions about sex offenders and victimization, they may even believe that all sex offenders fit a certain profile that makes them easily identified. For example, you might remember the myth that the typical child molester is a dirty old man who hangs out at a park or playground waiting to lure a child away with candy. Or that the typical rapist is a masked knife wielding man lurking in a dark alley or hiding behind a bush waiting to jump out and grab an unsuspecting woman who is passing by. And for a variety of reasons, even some criminal justice professionals may seek to identify such a profile for sex offenders. For example, law enforcement agents may have the expectation that if there is a profile of the typical sex offender, it might be easier to identify suspects when incidents of sexual assault are reported and the perpetrators have not yet been caught. Still others, such as some treatment providers or some supervision officers, may hold onto the belief that there is a profile of a sex offender, because it will make it simpler to treat and supervise them. And finally, some professionals may believe that if there truly is a profile, we can identify persons who might be at risk of becoming a sex offender and therefore be able to prevent sex offenses from happening to begin with. The existence of sexual feelings toward family members, friends or acquaintances does not signify a problem. However, the act of focusing on and then

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