Profile of a Preditor

The term predator describes a person whose primary mission in life
is to harm our children in some way. The harm could take the form
of molestation, abduction or abuse.

Nearly everyone mentally pictures a predator as a "seedy,
low-life" looking individual lurking in the shadows , wearing a
trench coat. The truth of the matter is they can look like anyone.
They come from all walks of life, age groups and economic
backgrounds. There are usually common threads that loosely link
these people together. Most try to get themselves into positions
of power over, or exposure to children.

No occupation excludes the likelihood of these types of
individuals. They've even been known to have been Clergy, Police
Officers, Scout Leaders, Coaches, etc. Molesters will try to seek
positions in close proximity to children, such places as pool
halls, arcades, shopping malls or playgrounds. They may also
volunteer as chaperones or other type of assistants necessary to
deal with groups of children.

A predator or pedophile can be anyone, even someone your child
may know. Remember, the overwhelming majority of children are
victimized by someone they know.

Child abductors may randomly select their victim or they may
carefully plan their evil act for weeks or months. Some are
interested in just boys, others in girls. Few make any distinction
as to what race or economic level their victims come from. They
really don't care.

Many parents develop a false sense of security because they
have impressed on their children to "stay away from strangers".
Unfortunately, statistics show that the vast majority of child
molestation, abuse or abduction is performed by someone the victim
or family knows. Another sad statistic is that all too often these
incidents involve parents, grandparents, siblings, other family
members, friends or acquaintances. The bottom line is that you
can't exclude anyone from your watchful eye.

Most kids don't know a good definition of a "stranger". When
we tell them to "stay away from strangers" , we're really telling
them to stay out of harms way. In reality this is easier said than
done. Properly defining a stranger so that a child can understand
the definition can be difficult to do. Predators take great care
not to be classified as a stranger.

For instance, is the neighbor that talks to your child-a
stranger? Is the school janitor who always says hello to your
child, a stranger? Is the store clerk, the one you always take the
time to talk with when your child is with you-a stranger? Telling
your child not to talk to strangers becomes a complex issue when
you add all these factors into the mix. Most people pose no threat
to your child. However, children must be told to stay away from
anyone you have not given them permission to talk to. This should
include everyone.

Predators and pedophiles have their own communications network
on the Internet. They've even got their own newsletters, videos
and underground radio network. They are constantly trading
information, ideas and methods designed to gain your children's
confidence. They are working daily on developing new and better
techniques to avoid being detected. Worldwide pedophile
organizations are promoting outrageous theories like adult sex with
children is healthy and that child molestation is not a crime.

It's impossible to keep child molesters and abductors away from
your neighborhoods so you must take a proactive approach to this
danger by being aware and teaching your children how to stop from
becoming a victim. Teach them to be aware of their surroundings
including buildings and people and increase their level of "Danger
Awareness"

Yours for safe kids,


Master Art Mason
Founder: The Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute

Information provided by "Children's Safety Network"