While many people might believe that sexual abusers hide in the shadows, these individuals often choose their targets in the open. According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), 93% of juvenile victims knew their perpetrator, whether they were a family member or friend.
Sexual predators can be found in a wide range of places, from schools to workplaces. These individuals have a drive to exploit others for their own sexual gain. Unfortunately, anyone can be a target for these abusers.
For that reason, you will want to know how to spot the red flags of a sexual predator. While their actions are not often in the open, understanding their behavior and tactics can help protect yourself and others.
Participating in Grooming
In almost all cases, these sexual predators will participate in a process known as grooming. Many times, the sexual predator will target someone who may have a lack of confidence or struggle in social settings. According to the Alliance for Children, these predators will present themselves as friends to the victim. With that, they will build trust with their target, often trying to manipulate their behavior. During this time, they may present themselves as an attentive and supportive friend. In turn, that can lower the victim’s defenses.
The grooming process is very gradual and could happen over a few months to years. First, sexual predators usually shower their potential victims with attention, gifts, and compliments. Once the victim feels a bond with the predator, they will isolate them from family and friends.
These individuals will try to encourage the victim to keep secrets from family, friends, and other people who could offer support. After that, they will push the boundaries with sexualized conversations or interactions. The predators may make innocent jokes or comments, but they intend to escalate that into sexual abuse over time.
Trying To Push Boundaries
For these individuals, it is not enough to isolate the victim; they are also trying to push boundaries. Often, predators initiate physical contact that appears accidental or harmless at first. With that, they are testing how far they can go without the victim reacting in a negative manner. Sexual predators may even push conversations toward sexual topics or make suggestive comments. By doing this, they are trying to desensitize the victim towards inappropriate discussions and, eventually, sexual conduct.
Engaging in Manipulative Behavior
One of the biggest red flags with a sexual predator is their use of manipulative tactics and behaviors. Often, they use these psychological tricks to control and exploit their victims. These individuals engage in guilt-tripping behaviors, making the victim feel guilty for rejecting advances or for setting boundaries.
Sometimes, they will blame a victim for hurting their feelings. As a result, they play the victim. Their goal is to elicit sympathy from their target. Unfortunately, that can cause the actual victim to feel obligated to provide emotional support.
Focusing on Secrecy
The goal of a sexual predator is to build trust and isolate a victim. For that reason, these individuals want to make all their interactions private between them and their target. If a person is focused on keeping these interactions a secret, that is a red flag.
Often, these predators want to meet with their victims in private settings. While some might suggest a secret location, sometimes, these individuals will meet with a victim in their own home. While the predators may focus all their attention on the victim, they are trying to shield their actions from any public scrutiny from others.
Displaying an Inappropriate Interest in Minors
While sexual abuse can happen to anyone at any age, many times, these crimes are perpetrated against children and young teenagers. When an adult shows an unusual interest in minors, that is a strong indication of predatory behavior. These predators will look for roles where they have access to children, such as coaches, teachers, or youth group leaders. With social media at the forefront, some predators have even positioned themselves as influencers to prey on vulnerable individuals.
While practicing as a coach or teacher is not predatory, look for how they act around certain individuals. For example, a predator will usually single out a particular child for special attention or privileges. During the grooming process, these predators may participate in behavior that is questionable between an adult and a child. Often, this can include giving gifts or inviting the child to spend time alone with them.
Having an Overly Charismatic Personality
While personable individuals are not more likely to commit sexual crimes, sexual predators do often have a persuasive personality. Their charm can disarm suspicion and make others feel comfortable around them. Many people would usually describe them as likable and friendly. They can use their skills to read people and understand their vulnerabilities. Their persuasive abilities can coerce victims into doing things that make them uncomfortable.
Recognizing these red flags is the first step to protecting yourself and others from sexual predators. While some of these signs by themselves might not mean that someone is engaging in criminal sexual behavior, you still need to assess the situation as a whole. Using these flags can help to identify predatory behavior.
If you or someone you know exhibits these signs or feels uncomfortable, you must report the behavior to the appropriate authorities. Also, remember that many of these potential victims cannot speak for themselves, and it is up to everyone to be aware of these possible indicators of abuse.
For those affected by sexual abuse from a predator, you can take legal action. Whether filing a lawsuit against the individual or the institution that failed to protect you, legal action can help to recover compensation in these cases. At Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan, we offer free, confidential consultations to help you take the next steps for your claim.