Title: Perpetrators | Sexual Assault | INSPQ
Headings: Perpetrators
Perpetrators
Perpetrator, predator or sex offender?
Studies on perpetrators of sexual assault: methodology
Perpetrators of child sexual abuse
Characteristics of child sexual abusers
A word of caution
Child sexual abuser typologies
Strategies used by perpetrators to commit child sexual abuse
References

Content: Characteristics of child sexual abusers
Child sexual abusers are not a homogeneous group. They can be either male or female; heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual; in a couple or single; from any ethnic background; or from different socio-economic backgrounds. 2
Although their motivations vary, child sexual abusers share certain personal characteristics more often than non-abusers do: Personal characteristics of child sexual abusers 1,4,5,2,11
Poor social skills
Strained relationships with adults
Feelings of powerlessness
Unsatisfactory relationships with adults
Low self-esteem, self-devaluation
Vulnerability in regard to their masculinity
Feelings of humiliation
Loneliness
Emotional attachment problems
Sexual problems
A word of caution
The personal characteristics identified above to describe child sexual abusers are more likely to be found among people who have committed sexual abuse. However, it is not because a person displays these characteristics that he or she is an abuser or will commit sexual abuse. Gender of child sexual abusers
Most minors who are victims of sexual abuse are victimized by males.