Yes, women can be sexual predators

There is no stereotypical sexual predator.

Teacher and student. Yes, women can be sexual predators. They don’t reveal themselves as different. In fact, they blend in with us all. They are moms, dads, coaches, priests, daycare workers, police officers, and teachers. We would be naïve to believe that sexual predators are only male or that they belong to a certain class and or race.

Teacher and student

Access to children

A pedophilia does not discriminate by class, race, gender or age. There is no demarcation between “elite private school in Brentwood” and an inner-city public school. Sexual predators find ways to have access to children. They are often in a role of trust; we believe our children are safe at school, practice, band or church. This is clearly an assumption.

Continued conversation

Should we have been talking about this before now? “Yes. “ We have to be proactive as parents and community members. We have to help our kids navigate a world that includes predation, online, live, in public and private spaces.

Do not Traumatize your child with details

There is no need to terrorize our children, but to believe they cannot handle the conversation is negligent on our part as parents.  Our children are vulnerable.

Help them…

notice when something does not seem or feel right.

Remind them…

to stay attuned to their body.

Make sure…

you as a parent are approachable.

Tell them…

that there is nothing you can’t handle.

Let them…

know that they can tell you anything.

Repeat this…

 over and over until they believe you.