NCJ Number
179654
Date Published
1999
Length
232 pages
Annotation
This book presents criminal cases from the work of the Victoria Police Child Exploitation Squad (Australia), each of which illustrates a particular aspect of the nature of child molestation and pedophilia.
Abstract
The book does not attempt to provide a definitive psychological analysis of the causes of child sexual assault, but rather describes the methods and tactics used by "rockspiders" (prison slang for child molesters) to access and prey upon children. The authors instruct parents in the various ways child molesters operate to find and entice their victims; some ingratiate themselves into a family; others operate as suburban "Pied Pipers"; some work in a position of responsibility or authority in the child's life; and others loiter on the streets waiting for vulnerable prey. The book is based in the belief that if parents have an understanding of these types of pedophile modus operandi, then they can better protect and prepare their children for the possibility that they may be exposed to a person who may seek to victimize them. Among the topics discussed are the pedophile's obsession with and use of child pornography and ways in which pedophiles use the Internet to lure potential victims into face-to-face meetings. The concluding section of the book provides practical advice for parents in preparing their children to be on guard against adults and adolescents who would sexually exploit them. This includes impressing upon children the kinds of adult behavior toward them that is wrong and how they should react to it. One suggested teaching method is to give children scenarios and explore how they should react in each scenario.