SIGNS of a Sexual Predator....you should know!● Creating Emotional Dependency As the predator emotionally manipulates its chosen victim, a sense of intimacy and dependency develops. The start of the relationship might seem supportive; sexual predators may give gifts, praise the individual, or call and text often. This gives the victim the impression that a special connection exists between them and the perpetrator. In the victim’s eyes, they may feel that the perpetrator is the only one who knows, values, and cares for them, or is better for them than other loved ones. Sexual predators take advantage of this heightened sense of loyalty and vulnerability displayed by the individual victim they are preying upon. ● Using Manipulative Language. Often, the predator insults or ridicules the victim’s behavior, style, attire, or other aspects of their personal lives. Upon being confronted about their conduct, the perpetrator is likely to embellish or falsify the information, potentially leading the victim to believe that they are at fault. It is common for predators to continually emphasize their own feelings as part of their scheme to make the victim feel guilty. As a form of emotional relationship, Gaslighting is meant to make the victim doubt their memories or perceptions by pushing them to accept the abuser’s interpretation of events or perception of the relationship. The main experience is in creating doubt of everything you know and to only accept the predator’s views without question. ● Pushing Physical and Sexual Boundaries. Sexual predators may overstep acceptable boundaries. Initially, this may be seen as a harmless touch on the back, hand, or leg. But it may progress to unwelcome contact or unwanted sexual advances, such as touching or fondling without consent, near the genitals or breasts. Sometimes, when a predator has already developed a relationship with a victim, they may violate a predetermined boundary or ignore the victim’s wishes. In some cases, manipulation can be used to coerce the victim into doing something that they don’t want to do. As part of the predator’s initial approach, they typically try to introduce and normalize sexual ideas. When talking about sexual activity, a predator may use suggestive humor, show pornographic material, or imply that they should perform certain actions, which may persuade vulnerable people to think that sexual activity is like a game. ● Expressing Jealousy and Controlling Behavior Many times, sexual predators display jealousy, possessiveness, and unreasonable behavior directed towards friends, family, and other romantic partners. They may keep a close eye on the victim’s social media accounts, private life, and daily activities. They also invade the privacy of their victim in many ways. In some cases, predators may appear to lack social connections. Additionally, they may disregard social boundaries. There is a point at which a predator becomes controlling. The perpetrator may interfere with the victim’s relationship with others, especially if they feel threatened or if they are in the opposite sexual orientation as them. Predators are very good at isolating their victims from family and friends. What Should You Do? To protect yourself and/or your loved ones, you should instantly recognize the most common Emotional Predator traits: they claim to be the victim, usually of the person they're in fact victimizing; they fake sincerity and make emotional displays to influence, intimidate, charm, disarm or seduce others; they pretend to use jealousy to convince you of how much they care. Essentially it is all part of their plan to control you and mislead you into thinking you are lucky to have them in your life. Also known as “gas lighting”. Needless to say, if you meet someone who has even some of these characteristics, you need to avoid them at all costs. If they continue to force themselves into your life, you can call the local police to report the problem. Often there are already police reports on these perpetrators. __________________ Courtesy of FLETC - Federal Law Enforcement Training Center - Brunswick, Georgia |