Most
people who sexually abuse children look and appear to act just like
everyone else. It’s hard to face the fact that someone we know – and
even like or love – might sexually abuse a child. But the truth is that in 90% of cases, the child knows and trusts the person who commits the abuse.
This means
that most abusers are either immediate family members (i.e. parents and
siblings) or other close relatives (e.g. uncles, aunts, grandparents,
cousins). Others in the child’s circle of trust may also be abusers.
These include those with easy access to children because of their work
in schools, child care centers, youth groups, sports teams, religious
organizations and in other settings where children live and play.