Most professionals have no idea about what they don't know about sex offenders. Dr Sullivan will challenge some of the myths which exist about perpetrators and the level of risk they actually pose to children in our society. If we don’t understand how individuals sexually exploit children and groom the protective adults in their world, we cannot effectively implement child safeguarding. Professionals who enhance their knowledge of offender behavior can recognize situations where children might be at risk or engage more effectively with perpetrators, victims and their families. When we understand the complexity and subtleties of the problem we can better implement policies and procedures within our organizations and ensure effective safeguarding for all. Using video of interviews with sex offenders this presentation provides fascinating insights into the motivations, thoughts and behaviors of child sex offenders. Prepare to have your eyes opened.
Learning Objectives:
To better understand how people with a sexual interest in children facilitate the sexual abuse of children
To understand the role of masturbatory fantasy including sexual activity with children in the developing pattern of abuse
To recognize the key component elements of the grooming process
