Perpetrators, Predators or Raptors...Sexual Abusers are more than just birds of prey

Can't help wondering about why we use some words, and not others, when discussing child abuse and neglect? For instance, the general usage of the word Perpretrator to label those who abuse children fails to capture the depth of the damage to the victim. We use the same word to describe those who embezzel money and commit lesser crimes.

Predator when used to label those who sexually abuse children also minimizes the impact on the victim. Raptor is so much more descriptive of a person who indulges in the plundering and violently destructive act of sexual abuse against a child.

Generally speaking perpetrators, according to Websters, are guilty of doing or or performing "something evil criminal or offensive." Predators "plunder, rob or exploit others...plunder to feed themselves." Raptors rape. And rape? The plundering or violent destruction...as in warfare.

Here I want to share a book recommendation by dd... , at Kelsey's Purpose. Salter, Anna Dr. (2003) Predators: Pedophiles, Rapists and Other Sex Offenders. Who They Are, How They Operate and How We Can Protect Ourselves and Our Children. NY: Basic Books.


A Child is Waiting.

Take care...be aware,
Nancy Lee