It's important to understand that individuals who abuse children come from all walks of life, regardless of economic status, ethnicity, social standing, or level of education. Often, perpetrators are family members, friends, or acquaintances. A staggering 95% of victims knowing their abusers. Sadly, many abusers are trusted and loved by the child.

Remember, children rarely fabricate stories about sexual abuse; in fact, they're more inclined to deny it ever happened. Abusers don't have a distinctive appearance, and they may lead seemingly ordinary lives, be married, have children, or even hold esteemed positions in the community.

Sometimes, children are sexually abused by other children, and while some contact may stem from innocent curiosity, it's essential to intervene when there's a significant age difference or when the behavior appears unusually adult-like or abusive.

Offenders use various tactics to gain access to children, including:

• Targeting approachable children who are easy to connect with.
• Building relationships with children by giving gifts or spending time with them, sometimes even volunteering to babysit frequently.
• Gradually breaking down a child's resistance to touch through games or physical interactions, leading to confusion when the touch becomes inappropriate.
• Manipulating children by placing blame on them and convincing them to keep the abuse a secret, often by making them feel responsible or by using threats.

By being aware of these tactics and understanding the dynamics of abuse, we can better protect our children and intervene when necessary.