June 6, 2023 | Sex Crimes
A person who is a sexual predator by all appearances lives a normal, stable life. However, research indicates that sexual predators share certain traits or signs based on the science of criminal profiling and psychology. Note sexual deviancy is something that may be addressed with intensive counseling.
A person who falls into the category of being a sexual predator may have learned certain behaviors to cope with negative mood states or other stressors that can be changed with medical and psychological intervention. If you are concerned about a person who may be a sexual predator, here is a list of common characteristics.
What is a Sexual Predator?
The term sexual predator often refers to people who have been convicted of sexual offenses under criminal law, which typically triggers sexual offender registration requirements. Repeat crimes will generally mark someone as a sexual predator. The psychological traits and behavioral patterns that cause someone to engage in behavior that rises to the level of a sexual predator are complex.
Research from the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with psychological studies by leading academics, have organized a list of characteristics that a sexual predator may often exhibit and warrant scrutiny.
Major Signs of a Sexual Predator
The signs of a sexual predator are seen through the patterns of behavior that increases a person’s risk for committing a sexual offense. It is important to know that having one or many of the signs does not automatically confirm that someone is in fact a sexual predator, but they raise red flags that might deserve attention and potential intervention to help that person and others address an underlying disorder.
1. Manipulative and Controlling: Sexual predators use their personalities to flatter, course, and control others around them and utilize deception to engage in sexual behaviors.
2. Ignoring Personal Boundaries: Research suggests a sexual predator will often disregard societal boundaries or personal space. For example, they may initiate unwanted physical contact that makes the other person uncomfortable or touch others without their permission
3. Grooming Behavior: A person who engages in sexually predatory behavior may seek to groom the person they intend to victimize, by establishing their trust to facilitate abuse, such as spending excessive time with them or singling them out, or giving gifts
4. Sexualizing Conversations: Studies have also shown that sexual predators may take normal conversations and try and change them into sexual topics or make inappropriate comments or share unsolicited content that is explicit
5. Seeks Out Vulnerable Individuals: Profiling suggests sexual predators often target vulnerable individuals who are more likely to be victimized or overcome due to their age, lack of knowledge, or emotional or mental capacity
6. Evasion and Secrecy: Perhaps due to consciousness of guilt, sexual predators will often hide their actions and avoid discussions about their personal life for fear of revealing their illegal activity
7. History of Sexualized Behavior: A person is more likely to be a sexual predator if there is a history of deviancy, a preoccupation with sexual content, multiple sexual partners, in a history of sexual offense convictions.
Reporting a Suspected Sexual Predator
If you are concerned that someone is engaging in sexual predatory behavior, you should alert local law enforcement or child protective services if a minor is involved. The person might already be on the Ohio sex offender registry. It is not appropriate for you to take action individually to confirm any suspicions you may have about an individual.
You should allow law enforcement and other trained professionals to do so. Any of the above signs of a sexual predator may otherwise be attributable to completely innocent conduct, and so making your concerns known through proper channels is the way to proceed.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the signs of a sexual predator may be crucial to keeping you and your loved ones safe. You should remain vigilant, trust your instincts, and communicate any concerns to the appropriate authorities.
On the other hand, if you have been contacted by law enforcement because of a concern about engaging in sexually deviant behavior, you should speak with a lawyer for advice before speaking with law enforcement. A lawyer can help protect your rights.
Contact the Cincinnati Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (513) 333-0014 or visit us at our Cincinnati law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Cincinnati
600 Vine Street, Suite 1004
Cincinnati, OH 45202
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