Child Sexual Abuse
Situational vs. Preferential Sex Offenders: According to Kenneth Lanning, a former S.S.A. with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there are two predominant groups into which most sex offenders can be classified: situational and preferential. The traits characterized by each type of offender are incredibly valuable as investigative tools and can provide critical direction and insight for cases. They are:
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Situational Child Molesters: These individuals do not usually have a preference, or paraphilia, for children. Their reasons for molesting are varied and have more to do with opportunity than they do sexual preoccupation with children.
There are three types of Situational molesters:
- Regressed: Characterized by low self-esteem, this offender will use children as substitutes for preferred sex partners. Stressors in his life tend to fuel his abuse activities. He will exploit availability of victims and, as such, is liable to molest his own children. The regressed molester will keep pictures of his victims.
- Morally Indiscriminate: Characterized by general patterns of abuse in all areas of his life. He will use force or manipulation to obtain his victims. He acts impulsively and has no conscience regarding his criminality. He will have collections of adult porn or detective magazines.
- Inadequate: Characterized by the social “loser” or misfit. Older teens who have no friends their own age and eccentric loners fit this category. Feelings of social inadequacy or alienation cause this offender to sexually abuse children. They are are insecure and lack appropriate partners with whom they can satisfy their sexual curiosities.
