Pedophile in Hunting Mode

By Angie

Pedophiles are constantly on the lookout for prey. Therefore we as parents should always be on the lookout for pedophiles. I consider them hunters, out for vulnerable prey that is left alone or unprotected, even if just for a moment.

I love to use examples, as I seem to have run into quite a few already in my lifetime so far.

I have a younger brother, he was born with a cleft lip and palate. He had surgery and was a gorgeous smiling child. We went shopping with our parents one day, my brother was about 9 or so. I was with him in a store, a clothing store. He was hiding in the clothes, playing around and having a good time. I turned my back for a second and he was approached by a man much older. This man asked him if he would like to play a game, that if he (my brother) would go outside with him for a minute he would show him this awesome game, that it would be lots of fun, and he wouldn't be gone long. My brother was afraid of this man, told the man no. Then ran up to me and told me about the man approaching him and what he said. I took my brother's hand and went out of the store looking for this man, but he had already left, knowing I'm sure that my brother was going to find one of us in the family.

Pedophiles go after children that are or seem to be more vulnerable, more susceptible to attention and compliments. My brother had the good sense and fear enough that he came in search of me rather than leaving with this man. My brother already knew there were bad people out there, had a bad feeling about this man, and refused to go.

The reason I mentioned my brother's cleft is because pedophiles often go after children that they think might appreciate more attention, be easier to win over with games and the promise of fun. It's almost as though pedophiles have a type of instinct that singles out vulnerable children.

It is our job as parents to make sure our children are not vulnerable. That they are educated and aware there are bad people out there that will try to take advantage of them.