Date of Award

Spring 8-1-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Criminology & Criminal Justice

First Advisor

Phillip Shon

Second Advisor

Mark Hamm

Third Advisor

David Polizzi

Abstract

Research has focused primarily on the psyche of individual child molesters in order to create better treatment regimens and prevention strategies. However, the extant research neglects to provide an in-depth analysis of what child molesters do and how they do it. This paper examines the seduction process child molesters use to gain access to victims, manipulate the adult community, and create a safe environment to molest. Twenty-one male child molesters were selected from several accredited publications throughout the past twenty years. Through the use of grounded theory, a set of qualitative descriptions revealed common post- and pre-offense behaviors. The behaviors formed a seduction process which includes the use of fantasy, planning, grooming, concealment, and escalation. Through these behaviors, child molesters are able to create a secure environment to molest and avoid disclosure.

Share

COinS