Acquaintance Molestation and Youth-Serving Organizations

Abstract

This article is based not only on the research literature but also on the extensive field experience of the authors in consulting with investigators, attorneys, and organizations on the prevention, investigation, prosecution, and civil litigation of molestation of children within or in connection with youth-serving organizations. Acquaintance molesters have often pursued careers or sought out paid or volunteer work with organizations through which they can meet children. To address the problem of such offenders, it is necessary for youth-serving organizations to recognize the diversity of sexual activity, the phenomena of "nice-guy" offenders and compliant child victims, and the grooming/seduction process, each of which is reviewed here. The four most important protection practices for organizations are screening; management, and supervision; response to suspicions, allegations, and complaints; and prevention and awareness programs. The authors recommend general approaches to each of these and describe the reasons many organizations resist implementing available preventive measures.

Proposing a Behavioral Taxonomy of Priest Sexual Grooming

“…Generally, sexual grooming is a nonviolent method that sexual offenders use to seduce victims by slowly creating trust through various actions that may appear normal but carry intentions to betray and violate a child and ensure the activity is not disclosed (Lanning and Dietz 2014). It is important to understand this behavior in order to identify and prevent the abuse from occurring rather than identifying it after an offense has been committed.…”

“…Offenders rely on techniques involving fun and play (Lanning and Dietz 2014), as well as giving victims special attention (Leclerc, Proulx and McKibben 2005) to make children feel good. This creates an exclusive relationship that makes each child feel more 'special' than others in the eyes of the perpetrator (Bennell et al 2001;McAlinden 2006 Once the victim feels special or comfortable, the offender starts to push physical boundaries.…”

“…Because of familial grooming, parents may encourage the perpetrator to spend time with their child because they are viewed as charming, caring and friendly individuals. This allows the abuser more contact with children in private settings to IJCJ&SD 33 Online version via www.crimejusticejournal.com © 2018 7(1) promote bonding and gives offenders added authority over victims (Lanning and Dietz 2014). In turn, it allows the offender more time to groom the victim.…”

Investigating the Relationship Between Supervisor Status and the Modus Operandi of Juvenile Sexual Offenders: A Routine Activity Theory Perspective

“…Research in response to these scandals has provided insights into the scope of CSA. For example, a report from John Jay College (2004) identified allegations of sexual abuse in 4,392 Catholic Priests between 1950 and 2002, accounting for 3%-6% of all priests in the U.S. (Lanning & Dietz, 2014). Further, estimates suggest that 6% to 10% of school children experience abuse by teachers or other staff in school settings (Colton, Roberts & Vanstone, 2010), and 8% of Canadian athletes have experienced sexual abuse while training or competing (Parent & Bannon, 2012).…”

“…This is particularly alarming considering CSA statistics are known to be under-reported. Another factor that has highlighted the problem is the recent influx of CSA related scandals in churches, schools, sports, non-profits and youthserving organizations (YSOs) that have drawn national attention to this concern (Boyle, 2014;Lanning & Dietz, 2014;Trocmé & Schumaker, 1999). Research in response to these scandals has provided insights into the scope of CSA.…”