Typical profile of an abuser

Educational Psychologist Michele Borba, EdD, shares advice for parents on the typical profile of a child abuser, and what kind of person, statistically speaking, is most likely to abuse your child
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Typical profile of an abuser

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One of the biggest concerns parents have is wondering, what does a typical profile of a sexual abuser look like? Unfortunately, there isn't a typical profile, but here's a hint; 90 percent of abusers are typically people your child already knows. They are not the stranger that everyone worries about. It could be good old uncle Fred. It could be the teacher. It could be the priest. It could be a very friendly individual that's down the street, but it also could be -- and be aware of this -- the babysitter or an older sibling. That's why all of those mean you've got to really stay tuned into your child's behavior. Most of the time our kids don't come and tell us that something wrong is happening to them. Instead, what we need to do is open up the doors and say, "If you ever feel uncomfortable or if anybody ever does anything to you that you know is wrong, I want you to come and tell me because I am going to back you up. Most importantly, I will believe you." Children need to be believed and we need to be our children's advocates.

Educational Psychologist Michele Borba, EdD, shares advice for parents on the typical profile of a child abuser, and what kind of person, statistically speaking, is most likely to abuse your child

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Michele Borba, EdD

Educational Psychologist

Michele Borba, EdD is a Today Show contributor and recipient of the National Educator Award. She is recognized for her practical, solution-based parenting strategies and is an expert of bullying. Michele is the author of 22 books including Building Moral Intelligence and No More Misbehavin’. She appears as an expert on shows such as Dr. Phil, The View, and CNN and is an advisory board member for Parentsmagazine. 

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