WHICH ETHNIC GROUPS MOLEST CHILDREN

Which Ethnic Groups Molest Children?

Are there ethnic groups in which child molestation does not occur? Probably not. Results from the Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study suggest that each ethnic group studied has child molesters among them. Once again, the percentages bear a resemblance to the U.S. Census. (See “The Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study” for further details about ethnic groups).

TABLE 3
Ethnic Groups: Admitted Molesters vs. All American Men

Admitted Child Molesters

American Men
Caucasian
79%

72%

Hispanic/Latin-American
9%

11%

African-American
6%

12%

Asian
1%

4%

Native American
3%

1%

Sources: The Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study and the 1999 U.S. Census Statistical Abstract
Note: 3,952 men who admitted to molesting children were compared to American men of various ethnic groups. Asians were under-represented in the complete sample of 15,508 men. They were 1.2 percent. Native Americans were over-represented in the complete sample. They were 3 percent. Both groups had child molesters in proportions equal to their percentages of representation in the complete sample.

Which Children Are Molested?

Children are most at risk from the adults in their own family, and from the adults who are in their parents’ social circle. In fact, 90 percent of abusers target children in their own families and children who they know well. Furthermore, research suggests that the risk is across the board: Child molesters come from every part of our society, and so children from every part of our society are at risk.

TABLE 4

Which Children Do Child Molesters Target?

CHILDREN IN THE FAMILY

Biological Child
19%
Stepchild, Adopted or Foster Child
30%
Brothers & Sisters
12%
Nieces & Nephews
18%
Grandchild
5%
CHILDREN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Child Left in My Care
5%
Child of Friend or Neighbor
40%
CHILDREN WHO ARE STRANGERS

Child Strangers
10%
Source: The Abel and Harlow Child Molestation Prevention Study.