Five Things to Know About a Predator. Awareness without fear. Knowledge that protects.

Predators don’t look like monsters. They look ordinary.”

When people hear the word predator, many imagine a stranger hiding in the shadows. But decades of research—and recent news stories—tell a very different story. If we truly want to protect children from sexual abuse, we must move beyond myths and learn how abuse actually happens, who commits it, and why awareness is our strongest defense. Understanding who the predator really is doesn’t create fear—it creates clarity, confidence, and safer families.

A child predator is typically someone a child knows and trusts who uses access, manipulation, and grooming—rather than force—to sexually exploit a child.

Research from global child protection agencies shows that approximately 85–90% of child sexual abuse cases are committed by someone known to the child, such as a family member, caregiver, coach, teacher, or trusted adult.

There’s a proverb that says, “Know your enemy.” If we agree that sexual abuse is a battle we must actively fight, then understanding how abuse happens—and who commits it—is not optional. It’s essential.

When we talk about protecting children from sexual abuse, the goal is not to scare families—it’s to equip them. Understanding how predators operate helps parents, caregivers, and communities respond wisely rather than react fearfully. Here are five essential, evidence-based truths every adult should know.

1. There Is No “Look.”

Predators do not fit a stereotype. They can be men or women, young or old, from any culture, profession, or faith background. They don’t stand out by appearance—and that’s why relying on “gut feelings” or stereotypes can leave children vulnerable.

What matters isn’t how someone looks, but how they behave over time.

2. Most Predators Are Known and Trusted

This is one of the most important—and misunderstood—facts. Updated global data through 2024 consistently shows that about 85–90% of child sexual abuse is committed by someone the child knows and trusts. Often, this person is also known to the parents.

This may include:

• A relative or family friend

• A neighbor or caregiver

• A teacher, coach, or tutor

• A faith or community leader

• A medical or childcare professional
  

Abuse rarely begins with force. It often begins with trust.

3. Grooming Is a Process, Not an Event

Predators don’t rush. Specialists describe grooming as a slow, intentional process that can take months or even over a year. During this time, the abuser builds emotional connection with the child and trust with adults.

Common grooming strategies include:

• Extra attention or “special” treatment

• Gifts for no clear reason

• Private time or favors

• Becoming the child’s “safe” or “fun” adult
  

Recent cases reported in schools, sports programs, and youth organizations show that grooming often happened openly—but was misunderstood as kindness or generosity.

4. Access Is the Goal

Predators often place themselves where children naturally are. They may seek jobs, volunteer roles, or social spaces that provide regular, unsupervised access to kids.

This can include:

• Schools, camps, and after-school programs

• Sports teams and coaching roles

• Transportation roles (bus drivers, carpool helpers)

• Child-focused public spaces and online platforms
  

Access alone doesn’t equal danger—but patterns of access combined with secrecy should raise questions.

5. Silence Is Their Greatest Protection

Predators rely on secrecy, confusion, and the child’s fear of getting in trouble or not being believed. Some use guilt, manipulation, or even subtle threats to keep children quiet.

The most effective prevention tool is open, ongoing conversation—where children know:

• They can talk about anything

• They will be believed

• They will not be blamed
  

Studies show children who are taught body safety, boundaries, and safe disclosure are more likely to speak up early and less likely to be targeted.

A Final Encouragement

Knowing these truths doesn’t mean distrusting everyone. It means paying attention, staying curious, and choosing awareness over assumptions.

Protection grows where knowledge lives—and where children know they are safe to speak.

In the next part, we’ll look at how predators manipulate silence—and how families can confidently interrupt it.