According to a research, a child is sexually abused every four seconds, before the age of 18, one every three girls, and one every four boys is sexually abused, and 90% of sexually abused children know and trust the perpetrator. Pedophiles' aims are to have sex with children. An average pedophile sexually abuses 260 victims during his or her lifetime. Of pedophiles who were imprisoned, over 90% are arrested for the same offense after being released.

It's wrong to make a conclusion that one could detect a pedophile through one's physical appearance. One has to realize that pedophiles are sexual abusers of children and they don't look the same. They come in every age, size, race and social class. Probably he is the neighborhood priest, or your best professor in college or the husband next door. One cannot distinguish a child molester through one's looks and status in life.

Here are some of the characteristics of a typical pedophile:

Prefers the company of children. Feels more comfortable with children than adults. Is mainly attracted to prepubescent boys and girls. Can be of any orientation: heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual.

"Grooms" his/her way into child's life through gifts, money, candy, toys, parties,

Singles out children who seem troubled and in need of attention or affection, those who are more needy and vulnerable.

Often enters a relationship with those who have children that are the age of his/her preferred victims.

Mostly male, masculine, better-educated, more religious than average, in their thirties, and has jobs that allow them greater access to children.

Finds different ways and places to be alone with children.

Pedophiles are those who are married and have children. They don't have any criminal record and deny that they abuse children even after caught, incarcerated and court-ordered. They are also those who have sexual dysfunction and they try to mask his/her desires.

Pedophiles often photograph the victim and collects child pornography.

A female pedophile is often herself a victim of sexual abuse.

Some pedophiles aren't aware that they are causing harm to a child and believes that they are sharing a special bond, that they are mutual, while others recognize that their behavior is criminal, immoral, and unacceptable by society, and operate in secrecy.